DEVOTIONAL  EXERCISES, 

CHIEFLY  DESIGNED  FOR  THE  USE  OF 

FAMILIES  ON  THE  SABBATH,- 

AND  OTHER  OPPORTUNITIES, 
VAHTIXG  EXPRESSIOXS  AS  OCCASION  AND  CIRCUMSTANCES  JElEaUIRE. 

SELECTED  PARTLY  FROM  THE  EPISCOPAL  SERVICE. 


ALSO  AN 

ADDRESS,  BY  THE  MINISTERS  ON  PISCATAQUA  RIVER, 

RECOMMENDING  FORMS  IN  WORSHIP.       AND  FROM 

SUNDRY  PUBLIC  PAPERS,  THE  PROPRIETY  OF 

KEEPING  THE  ADVENT  OF  CHRIST. 


LIKEWISE, 

A  SERIOUS  ADDRESS  TO  THE  SPECTATORS  ON  THE 

EXECUTION  OF  THE  PIRATES, 

FEB.  18,  1819. 


TO  WHICH  IS  ADDED 

MEDITATIONS 

SELECTED  FROM  THE  WORKS  OF  THE  REV.  JOHN  FLAVEL, 

HUSBANDRY  AND  NAVIGATION  SPIRITUALIZED  WITH  ABRIDGMENTS 

AND  VARIATIONS.       AND  LIKEWISE  PRAYERS  ON  THE 

VARIOUS  SEASONS  OF  THE  YEAR,  SELECTED 

FROM  THE  CHRISTIAN  MONITOR. 


ALSO 

A  SHORT  ABRIDGMENT  OF  THE  BOOK  OF  JOB  ; 

WITH  POETRY  ON  THE  SUBJECT,  BY  THOMAS  SCOTT  :    WITH 
VARIATIONS  AND  ABRIDGMENTS. 


BOSTON,  1820. 


• 


EXTRACTS. 


Prayer  (says  Marival)  may  be  considered 
as  the  root  from  whence  all  religious  and 
moral  duties  derive  their  nourishment  ;  and 
those,  who  do  not  pray,  can  have  no  religion. 
It  does  not  invalidate  this  assertion  to  say, 
that  then  great  numbers  have  no  religion.  Ho 
much  more  the  pity.  They  may  have  some 
virtue,  be  moral  and  useful  members  of  society ; 
but  what  idea  can  be  formed  of  religion  with- 
out prayer  ?  "  It  is  impossible,'^  says  Mr. 
Orton,  "  that  a  man  can  be  good  who  neglects 
prayer  ;  and  next  to  impossible,  that  he  should 
ever  become  so.  The  neglect  of  prayer  shews, 
that  he  has  no  right  notions  of  God,  no  sense 
of  his  presence,  no  hearty  desires  of  his  mer- 
cy^ no  solid  hopes  of  his  favour.  It  is  much 
to  be  wished,  therefore,  that  those,  who  have 
hitherto  neglected  daily  to  remember  God  in 
prayer,  would  firmly  resolve  no  longer  to  ne- 
glect so  important  a  duty  ;  and  the  only  sure 
way  to  keep  up  devotion,  both  in  secret,  and 
in  a  family,  is  to  fix  for  that  end  the  most  con- 
venient time  of  the  day,  and  resolutely  to  ob- 
serve it/'  "  When  the  times  of  prayer  are 
i 


6 

thus  settled/'  says  Bishop  Gibson,  ^'  it  will  be 
accounted  a  part  of  the  business  of  the  day  ; 
and  as  the  neglect  of  it  occasions  an  habitual 
forgetfulness  of  God,  and  the  things  of  another 
life,  so  the  daily  practice  of  it  (if  it  is  not  suf- 
fered  to  dwindle  into  a  mere  lifeless  form) 
keeps  up  in  families  a  face  and  spirit  of  re- 
ligion, and  is  the  best  means  that  fathers  and 
mothers,  masters  and  mistresses  can  use,  to 
preserve  in  themselves,  their  children  and  ser- 
vants, such  a  religious  and  heavenly  frame  of 
mind  as  becomes  a  society  of  christians.  The 
daily  exercise  of  devotion  keeps  the  soul  in 
an  habitual  preparation  to  move  towards  heav- 
en ;  and  by  this  exercise  the  thoughts  are 
more  easily  withdrawn  from  our  worldly  cares 
and  diversions,  and  more  readily  framed  to 
attend  the  work  at  the  proper  seasons  of  de- 
votion, whether  in  public,  or  in  private/' 


EXTRACT. 

Blessing  obtained  on  reading  religious  books — 

exemplified  in  the  first  volume  of  Mr.  FlaveVs  works^ 
related  by  Mr*  Boulter^  a  Bookseller  in  London* 

A  HIGH  flashy  gentleman  came  to  Mr. 
B's  shop,  to  enquire  for  some  play-books  ; 
Mr.  B.  told  him  he  had  none  of  the  kind,  but 
handed  him  Mr.  FlaveFs  little  treatise  of 
Keeping  the  Heart,  requested  he  would  read 
it,  and  assured  him  it  would  perhaps  do  him 
more  good  than  play-books.  The  gentleman 
read  the  title,  and  glancing  upon  several  pages, 
broke  out  in  these,  and  other  expressions. 
What  a  damn'd  old  fanatic  was  he  who  wrote 
this  book  ?  Mr.  B.  advised  him  to  buy  and 
read  it,  and  not  censure  it  so  bitterly ;  at 
length  he  bought  it ;  but  observed  he  would 
not  read  it.  What  will  you  do  with  it,  replied 
Mr.  B.  ?  do  with  it,  I  will  commit  it  to  the 
flames,  and  send  it  to  the  Devil.  Mr.  B.  then 
told  him  he  should  not  have  it.  He  however, 
^with  an  air  of  indifference,)  promised  to  read 
it.  Mr.  B.  again  observed,  if  he  disliked  it 
upon  reading,  the  money  should  be  returned 
to  him.  About  a  month  after,  the  gentleman 
came  to  Mr.  B's  shop  in  a  very  modest  habit 
and  deportment,  with  a  serious  countenance ; 
addressed  Mr.  B.  Sir,  I  most  heartily  thank 
you  for  putting  this  book  into  my  hands  :  I 
bless  God  who  moved  you  to  do  it,  it  has  been 
the  means  of  saving  my  precious  soul ;  blessed 
be  God  that  ever  I  came  into  your  shop,  and 
other  expressions  in  praising  and  admiring  the 
goodness  of  God. — -He  then  purchased  one 
hundred  more  of  those  books,  for  the  benefit  of 
the  poor,  who  eould  uot  buy  them. 


8 

'** 
Use  of  forms  in  ivovsliiy^  recommended  by  the^ 

ministers  in  iht  Tozons  and  Parishes  on  Piscutaqua 
River. 

Dear  Friends, 

With  sensible  concern  we  observe  the  de- 
clining state  of  practical  religion,  the  preva- 
lence of  error,  vice  and  infidelity,  and  the 
consequent  neglect  of  the  duties  of  piety,  jus- 
tice, mercy  and  truth.  And  it  is  not  the  least 
cause  of  our  concern,  that  there  are  many  in 
our  respective  towns  and  parishes,  who  live  in 
the  habitual  neglect  of  family  prayer,  and  in- 
struction, notwithstanding  their  solemn  en- 
gagements to  God  in  the  holy  ordinance  of 
baptism  to  their  children,  that  they  would  in- 
struct them  in  the  knowledge  of  true  religion, 
and  inculcate  upon  them,  by  their  precepts  and 
example,  their  duty  to  fear,  serve,  and  glorify 
their  Creator. 

The  common  plea  that  many  serious  persons 
make,  respecting  their  neglect  of  family  prayer, 
is,  their  want  of  resolution,  and  a  suflBcient  ac- 
quaintance with  language  to  address  the  infinite 
majesty  of  heaven  before  their  families  in  ex- 
pressions suitable  to  the  solemn  occasion,  and 
adapted  to  the  use  of  edification. 

To  remove  this  objection,  and  to  leave  all 
who  shall  hereafter  continue  in  the  neglect  of 
so  reasonable  a  service  inexcusable,  we  re- 
commend to  you  for  daily  use  in  your  families, 
forms  of  prayer,  which  we  have  endeavoured 
should  be  as  short  and  comprehensive  as  is 
consistent  with  perspicuity,  that  none  may  be 
tired  with  their  length,  and  because  our  words 
should  be  few,   as   creatures  in  our   circum- 


i) 

stances,  whose  foundation  is  in  the  dust,  and 
who  dwell  in  houses  of  clay,  address  our 
prayers  to  a  Being  of  incomprehensible  ma- 
jesty  and  glory,  whose  throne  is  in  the  heav- 
ens,  exalted  far  above  all  principalities  and 
powers. 

In  forms  of  prayer,  avoid  vain  repetitionsi, 
sensible  that  our  Father  in  heaven  knows  all 
our  wants  and  desires  before  we  ask  him,  and 
is  ever  ready  of  his  abundant  goodness,  to 
grant  all  our  requests  which  are  agreeable  to 
his  will,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ. 

We  also  recommend  the  use  of  scripture 
expressions  and  allusions,  as  best  adapted 
to  inform  the  understanding  and  warm  the 
heart. 

We  cannot  therefore  presume  you  will  be 
prejudiced  against  using  forms  of  worship, 
considering,  1st,  That  not  only  the  primitive 
apostolic  churches  used  forms  in  their  worship 
after  miraculous  gifts  had  ceased  in  the  church, 
but  that  Jesus  t)hrist  hath  left  on  record  a 
comprehensive  form  of  prayer  for  the  direction 
of  his  disciples  in  all  their  addresses  to  the 
throne  of  grace. 

In  thus  recommending  to  you  the  use  of 
forms  in  prayer,  we  would  not  have  it  under- 
stood as  our  meaning,  that  you  should  confine 
yourselves  to  forms  prepared  for  your  use, 
however  excellent  ;  the  use  thereof  will  soon 
overcome  your  natural  timidity  that  will  ena- 
ble  you  to  feel  a  freedom  in  offering  up  peti- 
tions and  praises  in  your  own  words,  dictated 
by  a  sense  of  pressing  trials^  and  signal  mer- 
eies. 

1* 


10 

And  now  beloved  friends,  we  entreat  yoa 
by  the  mercies  of  God,  and  the  love  of  a  Sa- 
viour^ and  the  duty  you  owe  to  the  immortal 
souls  committed  to  your  care,  to  take  the  sub- 
ject of  this  address  into  serious  consideration, 
and  begin  the  practice,  and  we  cannot  but 
hope  you  will  be  convinced  of  the  reasonable- 
ness of  family  prayer,  and  be  induced  to  prac- 
tice  it.  '5:dly,  If  you  consider  that  the  daily 
practice  of  this  duty  in  your  families  is  found- 
ed in  the  relation  you  bear  to  God  as  his  rea- 
sonable  creatures  ;  your  necessary  dependence 
on  him  for  being,  life,  and  all  things  you 
need  ;  the  obligations  of  gratitude  you  are 
under  to  him  as  your  preserver  and  benefactor, 
and  the  regard  you  owe  to  the  souls  committed 
to  your  care.  3dly,  Consider  that  the  time  is 
near  at  hand,  when  we  must  all  appear  before 
God  in  the  eternal  world,  to  render  unto  him 
an  account  of  the  improvement  of  our  time, 
opportunities  and  talents  ;  how  we  have  per- 
formed the  duties  incumbent  on  us  in  our  seve- 
ral stations  and  relations,  and  managed  the 
important  trusts  committed  to  us  in  this  world  ; 
and  we  ought  seriously  to  consider  that  he 
will  require  at  our  hands  those  whom  he  hath 
committed  to  our  charge.  Let  these  considera- 
tions awaken  you  to  a  diligent  and  faithful 
discharge  of  all  the  duties  you  owe  to  those 
who  are  under  your  immediate  care,  and  in 
particular  the  duty  of  exemplifying  your  in- 
structions by  praying  with  them,  that  if,  (not- 
withstanding  all  your  instructions,  prayers, 
counsels  and  admonitions,)  they  should  be 
drawn  into  the  Vertex  of  sinful  pleasure;  by 


11 

the  temptations  of  an  ensnaring  world,  and 
finally  lose  their  souls,  their  ruin  may  not  be 
chargeable  to  your  account  in  the  great  day. 

In  this  address  we  speak  to  you,  beloved 
friends,  in  the  fulness  of  our  hearts,  and  from 
a  sensible  concern  for  your  future  happiness, 
and  the  happiness  of  your  families,  that  if  it 
shall  please  God  to  bless  our  endeavours,  you 
may  be  quickened  to  the  diligent  use  of  the 
means,  and  the  practice  of  the  duties  of  reli- 
gion, by  which  it  may  be  insured  to  you,  and 
to  your^s. 

In  this  recommendation  of  family  prayer^ 
we  are  fully  convinced  that  it  is  the  duty  of 
all,  whatever  their  character,  to  awake  from 
their  stupidity,  and  call  upon  God  that  they 
perish  not.  Yet  we  speak  principally  to  those 
heads  of  families  who  are  regular  in  their 
lives  and  conversations;  who  have  a  rational 
conviction  of  the  truth  of  religion,  the  being, 
perfections  and  providence  of  God,  their  neces- 
sary  dependence  on  him  for  every  blessing ; 
their  guilt,  weakness  and  misery,  and  need  of 
his  help  and  mercy,  and  the  reasonableness  of 
their  praying  to  him  for  needed  mercies  ;  but 
at  the  same  time  wish  to  have  some  assistance 
in  this  duty,  that  they  may  perform  it  in  a 
mnnner  better  adapted  to  edification  than  ex- 
tempore prayers. 

While  we  inculcate  the  expediency  and 
reasonableness  of  family  prayer,  and  offer 
these  helps  to  the  performaace  of  this  duty, 
we  entreat  you  brethren  ever  to  bear  in  mind 
that  prayer  and  other  instrumental  duties  are 
only  means;  which  God  in  his  divine  wisdom 


12 

hath  appointed,  for  your  obtaining  the  renew- 
ing influence  of  his  spirit  to  write  upon  your 
hearts  those  two  gieat  and  comprehensive  laws 
of  his  moral  kingdom  :  Thou  shalt  love  the 
Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart ,  and  thy  neigh- 
bour as  thyself ;  and  thereby  qualify  you  for 
the  everlasting  enjoyment  of  that  kingdom. 

Beware  then  of  resting  in  a  form  of  godli- 
ness without  the  power  thereof;  if  you  do, 
however  constant  and  exemplary  you  may  be 
in  prayer  and  other  positive  duties  of  religion, 
your  hope  of  future  happiness  founded  on  these 
things  will  issue  in  shame,  confusion  and  de- 
spair. These  things  you  ought  to  have  done, 
and  not  leave  the  other,  justice,  mercy  and 
truth,  the  necessary  effects  of  a  principle  of 
divine  love  in  the  heart,  undone.  We  only 
add  our  fervent  prayers  to  the  Father  of  lights 
and  mercies,  that  the  happy  period  may  be 
hastened  which  will  supercede  these  helps  of 
devotion,  when  the  spirit  of  grace  and  suppli- 
cation shall  be  poured  out,  when  they  shall 
teach  no  more  every  man  his  neighbour,  and 
every  man  his  brother,  saying,  Know  ye  the 
Lord  ;  for  they  shall  all  know  him  from  the 
least  of  them  to  the  greatest;  and  when  prayers 
and  praises  to  Grod,  dictated  by  a  spirit  of 
pure  and  fervent  devotion,  shall  ascend  before 
his  throne  from  every  family  and  dwelling 
place  of  Mount  Zion....AMEN, 


13 

Advice  relative  to  the  service  of  the  Sanctuary. 

TO  be  early  at  the  house  of  God,  in  order 
to  obtain  the  blessing  on  leaving  it,  thereby 
uniting,  with  devout  affections  fixed  on  Grod, 
joining  our  hearts  with  our  lips  in  every  part 
of  the  worship. — To  attend  with  seriousness 
during  the  exhortation,  as  it  points  out  to  us 
the  great  duty  we  are  come  upon — When  we 
pronounce  the  general  confession  of  our  sins, 
to  recollect  our  secret  ones — When  the  abso- 
lution is  reading,  we  ought  most  humbly  to 
beg  our  share  therein,  and  when  the  Psalms 
and  Hymns  are  repeating,  to  raise  our  souls, 
and  rejoice  in  God  for  the  great  blessings 
commemorated  in  them — While  the  lessons 
are  reading,  to  observe  w^hat  particular  instruc- 
tions, reproofs,  or  consolations  arise  to  us  from 
any  part  of  them — In  the  collects  and  thelitany, 
to  endeavour  to  lift  up  our  hearts  to  God  to  ob- 
tain the  blessings  we  ask  of  him — In  the  thanks- 
giving, to  unite  in  an  humble  acknowledgment 
of  the  mercies  received  from  God — When  we 
make  confession  of  our  faith  with  one  voice,  be 
sure  we  unite  with  it  the  belief  of  our  hearts — 
While  the  commandments  are  repeating,  to  en- 
deavour to  recollect  our  former  sins,  and  the  in- 
firmities of  our  nature,  together  with  the  tempta- 
tions to  which  we  are  exposed.  And  to  stand 
w  hen  we  are  engaged  in  that  sublime  part  of  wor- 
ship, Singing  of  praise  to  God.  Whenever  we 
hear  sermons  (not  however  with  a  view  to  criti- 
cise, and  censure  him  who  officiates^)  but  as 

*  "  Reverence  your  minister,  he  is  a  wise  and  good  man,  and 
one  who  has  a  tender  care  and  respect  for  jou,  do  not  therefore 
grieve  him,  either  by  neglect  or  disrespect,  if  there  b&.any  person 


14f 

those  who  are  desirous  to  become  more  wise  and 
better  for  them. — Thus  we  ought  to  behave  ia 
the  house  of  God,  and  to  think  it  our  duty  also 
to  attend  to  the  several  parts  of  the  afternoon 
service. — The  command  obliges  us  to  keep  the 
sabbath  day  holy,  and  the  honour  and  service 
of  Grod  calls  for  our  attendance  on  both  parts  of 
the  day,  agreeably  to  the  sentiments  of  profes- 
«or  Gilbert,  of  Leipsic,  printed  in  his  life^in 
4775.  ^'  We  think  too  lightly  on  the  duties  on 
Sunday.  1  am  convinced  that  a  religious  em- 
ployment  of  this  sacred  day,  is  one  indispensa- 
ble mean,  and  indeed  the  most  salutary  of  all, 
to  promote  our  progress  in  religion  and  piety. 
To  make  a  serious  examination  of  our  hearts ; 
to  lift  them  np  to  heaven ;  to  strengthen  our 
minds  with  the  truth  of  faith  :  this  is  to  fortify 
for  the  whole  week,  and  prepare  ourselves  ia 
the  discharging  of  our  domestic  duties  and  call- 
ings with  fidelity.  He  who  employs  the  Sab- 
bath well,  can  he  make  a  bad  use  of  the  week  ? 
He  who  passes  this  day  ill,  can  he  think  him- 
self obliged  to  employ  well  the  following 
days  ?*  Hear  me  therefore,  whoever  you  are^ 
that  cast  your  eyes  upon  this  paper,  it  is  the 
employment  of  Sunday,  on  which  that  of  the 
whole  week  depends.^^ 

who  endeavours  to  set  you  against  him,  that  person  loves  not  jou^ 
nor  the  office  he  bears,  and  as  Divine  Providence  has  placed  hiia 
near  you,  I  do  expect  you  will  pay  suitable  attention  to  him,  for 
his  own,  for  yours,  and  for  his  office  sake. 

Sir  Matthew  HaWs  .Advice  to  his  family. 
*  It  is  a  common  observation,  that  public  criminals,  going  to 
the  place  of  execution,  and  making  their  dying  declarations  to 
the  world,  frequently  charge  their  sinful  courses,  in  which  they 
have  lived,  to  their  neglect  and  profanation  of  the  Lord's  Day  as 
the  first  and  chief  occasion  of  leading  them  into  those  enormiti^ 
that  had  brought  them  to  their  untimely  end. 


EPISCOPAL  SERVICE. 
PART  I. 

Mapted  especially  for  Sabbath  Morning. 


Master.  MY  beloved  friends^  who  are  now 
assembled  for  the  benefit  of  social  worship,  a 
duty  not  only  rational,  but  a  privilege  highly 
to  be  esteemed,  as  honorary  for  us  and  to  the 
hiiman  race,  to  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
in  offering  him  a  religious  sacrifice  of  gratitude 
and  praise  ;  may  we  therefore  with  seriousness 
attend  in  our  present  devotions,  and  to  the  in- 
structions of  the  sacred  oracles,  which  directs 
us  in  sundry  places  to  acknowledge  and  con- 
fess our  manifold  sins  and  transgressions ;  that 
we  should  not  dissemble,  nor  cloak  them  be- 
fore the  presence  of  Almighty  God  our  heaven- 
ly Father ;  but  confess  them  with  an  humble, 
lowly, penitent  and  obedient  heart;  to  the  end 
that  we  may  obtain  forgiveness  of  the  same,  by 
his  infinite  goodness  and  mercy.  And  although 
we  ought  at  all  times  humbly  to  acknowledge 
our  sins  before  God  ;  yet  ought  we  chiefly  so 
to  do,  when  we  meet  together,  to  render  thanks 
for  the  great  benefits  that  we  have  received  at 
his  hands,  to  set  forth  his  most  worthy  praise, 
to  hear  his  moat  holy  word^  and  to  ask  those 


16 

things  that  are  necessary,  as  well  for  the  body 
as  the  soul.  Wherefore  let  us  accompany 
each  other  with  the  advice  of  the  psalmist. 

Master.  O  come,  let  us  worship  the  Lord 
our  God  ;  and  heartily  rejoice  in  the  strength 
of  our  salvation. 

Family.  Let  us  come  before  his  presence 
with  thanksgiving;  and  into  his  courts  with 
praise;  be  thankful  unto  him,  and  speak  good 
of  his  name. 

M.  Let  us,  with  the  inward  devotion  and 
homage  of  our  hearts,  unite  to  serve  him  with 
joy  and  gladness. 

F.  Jb^or  the  Lord  Jehovah  is  great,  far 
above  the  Gods  of  the  heathen  which  are  but 
idols  ;  but  it  is  the  Lord  who  made  the  heav- 
ens. 

M.  In  his  hands  are  all  the  corners  of  the 
earth,  and  the  strength  of  the  hills  is  His  also. 

F.  The  great  deep  is  His,  for  he  made  it, 
and  his  hands  formed  the  dry  land. 

M.  May  our  praise  therefore  be  of  the  lov- 
ing  kindness  of  the  Lord,  even  upon  the  multi- 
tude of  his  mercy,  and  to  acknowledge  him  in 
his  holy  temple. 

F.  To  render  to  the  Lord  the  honour  due 
unto  his  name,  to  worship  him  in  the  beauty  of 
holiness,  and  offer  in  his  dwelling  an  oblation 
with  gratitude. 

JH.  Glory  be  to  the  Father,  and  to  the  Son, 
and  to  the  Holy  Ghost  ; 

F.  As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and 
ever  shall  be  ;  world  without  end.     Amen. 

Master.  Let  us  attend  to  those  comfortable 
words  of  Clirist  our  Saviour ;  Come  unto  me 


17 

all  ye  who  labour  and  are  heavy  laden  and  1 
will  give  you  rest.  He  that  cometh  unto  mc 
1  will  in  no  wise  cast  off.  Ask  and  you  shall 
receive,  seek  and  you  shall  find,  knock  and  it 
shall  be  opened  unto  you. 

Family.  Almighty  God,  give  now  unto  us 
that  ask;  let  us  v\ho  seek,  find;  open  the  gate 
unto  us  who  knock,  that  we  may  receive  thy 
heavenly  benediction. 

M.  St.  John  saith,  God  so  loved  the  world 
that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  to  the  end 
that  all  who  believe  in  him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  everlasting  life  ;  that  if  any  man  sin, 
we  have  an  Advocate  with  Father,  Jesus  Christ 
the  Just :  who  is  the  Reconciliation  for  the 
sins  of  the  World  :  which  if  we  confess  and 
forsake,  he  is  faithful  and  just  to  forgive,  and 
cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness.  We  are 
assured  by  God,  who  saith  :  Call  upon  me  in 
the  day  of  trouble  ;  I  will  deliver  thee,  and 
thou  shalt  glorify  me  :  He  will  therefore  have 
mercy  upon  us,  and  heal  our  infirmities. 

Master.     Lift  up  your  hearts. 

jF.     We  lift  them  up  unto  the  Lord. 

M.  Let  us  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord  Js- 
bovah. 

F.     It  is  meet  and  right  so  to  do. 

M.  It  is  very  meet  and  right,  and  our 
bounden  duty  at  all  times,  and  in  all  places, 
to  give  thanks  unto  thee,0  Lord,  Holy  Father, 
everlasting  God. 

Af.  Now  unto  the  King  Eternal,  Immor- 
tal, Invisible,  the  only  wise  God,  be  ascrif^fp d 
all  Honour  and  Glory,   world  withoeiir^^*^;^^  n 


18 

Master.  O  thou  omnipotent  Governour  of 
the  world,  the  aid  of  all  who  need,  the  helper 
of  all  those  who  with  sincerity  apply  to  thee 
for  succour,  and  the  life  of  them  who  believe  ! 
We  call  on  our  souls  and  all  that  is  within 
us,  humbly  to  offer  to  thee,  our  tribute  of 
thanks,  for  the  privilege  thou  dost  grant  us 
to  adore  thy  perfections,  and  celebrate  the 
praises  of  thy  great  and  holy  name. 

Social  Address. 

Therefore  with  Angels,  and  Archangels, 
and  all  the  company  of  Heaven,  we  laud  and 
magnify  thy  glorious  name  ;  evermore  prais- 
ing Thee,  and  saying.  Holy,  Holy,  Holy, 
Lord  God  of  Hosts,  who  is  able  to  declare 
thy  greatness,  and  to  recount  the  marvellous 
works  thou  hast  performed  in  all  the  genera- 
tions  of  the  world  :  Heaven  and  earth  are  full 
of  thy  glory. — Glory  be  to  thee,  O  Lord  most 
High.     Amen. 


Litany,  or  General  Supplication. 

Master.  Assist  us  merciful  God  in  these 
our  supplications  and  prayers,  and  dispose  the 
way  of  thy  servants  towards  the  aittainment  of 
everlasting  salvation,  that  through  all  the  vicis- 
situdes of  this  mortal  life,  we  may  ever  be  de- 
fended  by  thy  gracious  help  ; 
,  ,,We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

M<  That  it  may  please  thee  to  direct  and 
^^la-^  bdth  our  hearts  and  lives  in  the  way  of 
tii^^aws^  and  in  the     '""ks  of  thy  command- 


19 

iiieuts,  that  through  thy  most  ini§;hty  protec- 
tion^  both  now  and  ever,  we  may  be  preserved 
in  body  and  soul  to  the  end  of  our  days  ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  lord. 

M.  Prevent  us  O  Lord  in  all  our  doings 
with  thy  most  gracious  favour,  and  further  us 
with  thy  continual  help,  that  in  all  our  works 
began,  continued,  and  ended  in  thee,  we  may 
glorify  thy  holy  name,  and  finally  obtain  thy 
pardoning  mercy  ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

M.  O  thou  fountain  of  all  wisdom^  who 
knovvest  our  necessities  before  we  ask,  and 
our  ignorance  in  asking ;  be  pleased  to  have 
compassion  on  our  infirmities ;  that  those 
things  which  for  our  nnworthiness  we  dare 
not,  and  for  our  blindness  we  cannot  ask,  may 
be  effectually  obtained  to  the  relief  of  our  ne- 
cessities,  and  to  the  setting  forth  of  thy  glory ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  beams,  good  Lord. 

M.  Keep  us,  Lord,  chaste  in  all  our 
thoughts,  temperate  in  all  our  enjoyments, 
peaceable  under  provocations,  sincere  and 
faithful  in  our  professions  :  That  no  necessity 
may  force,  or  opportunity  of  any  kind  allure 
us  to  defraud,  or  injure  our  neighbour  ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

J^f.  That  it  may  please  thee  to  give  us 
true  repentance,  to  forgive  our  past  offences, 
to  endue  us  with  the  grace  of  thy  Holy  Spirit, 
to  amend  our  lives  conformable  to  thy  most 
holy  will ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

M,  That  it  may  please  thee  to  inspire  our 
hearts  with  christian  benevolence,  and  to  form 


20 

»ucb  dispositions  in  us,  that  will  enable  us  to 
forgive  our  enemies,  persecutors  and  slan- 
derers ; 

Turn  their  hearts,  O  Lord,  and  fill  them 
with  thy  love. 

M.  That  if  may  please  thee  to  inspire  us 
with  true  love  and  chanty,  aud  dispose  us  to 
do  all  in  our  power,  for  defending  the  friend, 
less,  and  assisting  prisoners  and  captives,  and 
others  who  are  helpless  and  indigent,  and  need 
compassionate  attention. 

Incline  our  hearts,  we  beseech  thee,  to  this 
duty. 

M.  That  it  may  please  thee  to  enlightea 
us  with  true  knowledge  and  a  right  under- 
standing  of  thy  word  and  commandments,  that 
the  same  may  have  their  due  effect  by  govern* 
ing  our  lives  and  actions  ; 

Vouchsafe  to  hear  us,  Almighty  God. 

M.  That  it  may  please  thee  to  defend  us 
by  thy  mighty  power,  that  we  may  not  fall 
into  sin  or  temptation,  but  that  all  our  doings 
may  be  ordered  by  thy  government,  to  per- 
form what  is  righteous  in  thy  sight  ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us.  good  Lord. 

M.  That  it  may  please  thee  to  comfort  and 
support  all  those  who  are  in  trouble,  sorrow, 
need,  affliction ;  to  defend  us  from  the  temp- 
tations  of  prosperity,  and  in  the  time  of  adver- 
sity, at  the  hour  of  death,  aud  at  the  day  of 
judgment ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

M  That  it  may  please  thee  to  grant  us 
grace,  that  the  word  we  hear  ''  this  day'^  with 
our  outward  ears,  may  be  so  grafted  inwardly 


Si 

in  our  hearts,  that  it  may  bring  forth  the  fruits 
of  good  living,  to  the  honour  and  praise  of  thy 
holy  name; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

M.  That  it  may  please  thee  to  illuminate 
all  bishops,  and  other  ambassadors  of  the  gos- 
pel of  p^-ace,  with  true  knowledge  and  under- 
standing  of  thy  word  and  commandments,  that 
they,  both  by  their  preaching  and  living,  may 
set  it  forth  and  shew  it  accordingly  ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

M.  That  it  may  please  thee  to  bless  and 
prosper  the  United  States,  and  to  give  to  all 
nations,  unity,  peace  and  concord,  and  to 
spread  the  gospel  of  thy  Son  over  the  face  of 
the  whole  earth,  from  the  rising  to  the  setting 
sun  ; 

We  beseech  thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

M.  That  it  may  please  thee  to  strengthen 
in  rifi;hteousness  and  true  holiness,  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  union,  and  others  in  authority  ; 
may  they  be  guided  by  heavenly  wisdom,  to 
rule  in  thy  fear  and  love,  for  the  preservation 
of  our  civil  and  religious  liberties,  and  in 
the  prosecution  of  the  duties  of  their  re- 
spective stations,  be  ministers  of  God  to  us  fur 
go  d; 

Vouchsafe  them  Lord  thy  assistance. 

M.  We  renew  our  addresses  in  beseeching 
thee  to  keep  us  from  all  sedition,  privy  conspi- 
racy  and  rebellion,  from  false  doctrine,  heresy 
and  schism,  from  hardness  of  heart,  and  coa* 
tempt  of  thy  word  and  commandments; 

Good  Lord,  hear  us* 
»^ 


M.  From  pride,  vain  glory  and  hypocrisy ; 
from  envy,  hatred  and  malice,  and  all  uncbar* 
itableness ; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

M.  From  lightning  and  tempest;  from 
plague,  pestilence  and  famine,  and  other  ca- 
lamitous events  through  life,  and  from  an  un- 
prepared  dissolution ; 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

M.  Guide  us  we  bessech  thee  by  thy  coun- 
sel,  through  all  the  changing  scenes  of  time, 
that  finally,  by  our  endeavours  to  improve  it, 
we  may  be  admitted  to  thine  heavenly  king- 
dom. 

M.  Now  to  the  King  Eternal,  Immortal, 
Invisible,  to  the  only  wise  God,  be  ascribed 
honour  and  majesty  forever.     Amen. 

The  Gloria  in  Excelsis^  to  he  read  or  chanted 
occasionally f  social. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high,  and  on  earth 
peace,  good  will  towards  men,  who  art  a  Be- 
ing of  all  beings,  fountain  of  all  light  and  glory, 
gracious  father  of  men  and  angels,  whose  uni- 
versal spirit  is  every  where  present,  giving 
life  and  light  to  all  angels  and  glorified  saints 
in  heaven,  and  all  creatures  upon  earth.  We 
praise  thee,  we  worship  and  adore  thee,  we 
give  thanks  unto  thee  for  thy  great  glory,  O 
Lord  God,  heavenly  king,  God  the  Father  Al- 
mighty. 

O  Lord  the  only  begotten  Son  Christ  Jesus, 
Lamb  of  God,  the  brightness  of  thy  Father^s 
glory,  and  the  express  image  of  his  person, 
who  art  entered  into  the  holy  of  holies;  and 


23 


sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  (rod,  high  above  all 
throDes  and  principalities,  who  takest  away 
the  sins  of  the  world,  and  art  making  interces- 
sion for  all  men.  Thou  who  takest  away  the 
sins  of  the  world,  accept  our  address — be  thou 
O  Lord  our  light,  peace  and  joy,  now  and  for- 
evermore*     Jimen. 


GENERAL  PRAYERS, 

Public  calamity  in  time  of  War. 

O  Thou,  who  rulest  without  controul  the 
armies  of  heaven,  and  among  the  inhabitants 
of  the  earth,  and  givest  no  account  of  thy  ways 
to  men;  nor  may  any  say  unto  thee.  What 
doest  thou  ?  let  our  miuds,  we  beseech  thee, 
be  suitably  solemnized  by  the  threatening  dis- 
pensation of  thy  Providence,  and  our  hearts 
be  deeply  affected  by  this  awful  chastening 
of  thine  band.  We  have  reason  to  lament  the 
malignity  of  sin,  and  the  extensive  effects  of 
our  apostacy,  which  gives  strength  and  per- 
verseness  to  those  lusts  and  passions  of  the 
human  heart,  which  occasion  wars  and  fight- 
ings ;  loading  our  atmosphere  with  pestilence 
and  death,  filling  many  parts  of  the  earth  with 
sighs  and  tears.  But  Lord,  all  events  are  sub- 
ject to  thy  controul.  Thou  formest  the  light 
and  createst  darkness,  thou  makest  peace  and 
createst  evil,  afflictions  do  not  rise  from  the 
dust,  neither  does  trouble  spring  from  the 
ground,  nor  any  evil  in  the  city,  but  by  thy 
permission.  Help  us  to  exercise  suitable  af- 
fections of  soul  in  our  present  circumstances. 


S4 

Enemies    have   been    permitted    to    rise  up 
against  us,  and  disturb  our  peaceful  land,  our 
hearts  are  pained   within  us,  at  the  sound  of 
the  trumpet  and  the  alarm   of  war.     We  ac- 
knowledge having  forfeited   all  our  blessings 
and  mercies  from  thine  hands.     But  may  it 
please  thee  to  dispose  our  enemies  to  reasona- 
ble terms  to  be  at  peace  with  us.     We  renew 
our  address  that  thou  wouldest  sanctify  this 
calamity,  and   prevent  the  immoral  effects   in 
such  a  state  of  things.     iVlay  integrity  and  up- 
rightness be  the  ruling  principle  of  those  who 
are  intrusted  with  the  affairs  of  the  natiim,  and 
pray  that  thou    wouldest  scatter   the   nations 
that  delight  in  war.     But  Lord,  if  thou   seest 
it  necessary  farther  to  chastise  us  under   this 
calamity,  preserve    us  from   dissentions,  ani- 
mosities, party  spirit.     Unite  the  hearts  of  this 
people  as  one  man.     Inspire  them  with  mag- 
nanimity and  patience  in  the  defence  of  their 
invaluable  ^privileges.     When   the    hosts    go 
for  h  to  war,  may  we  keep  ourselves  from  the 
accursed  thing,  and    by  thy  judgments  learn 
righteousness.     And  may  we  be  prepared  for 
a  region  of  perfect  peace,  and  a  society  of  per- 
feet  concord  in  thy  immediate  presence  above, 
through  our  Lord  and   Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
tlmen. 

%A  Prayer  in  time  of  Drought. 

O  God,  heavenly  Father,  who  by  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ  has  promised  to  all  those  who  seek 
thy  kingdom  and  the  righteousness  thereof,  ail 
things  necessary  to  their  bodily  eustenauce^ 


25 

send  us,  we  beseech  thee,  rain  from  heaven 
which  now  thou  art  withholding  and  threat- 
ening us  respecting  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  the 
necessary  support  of  man  and  beast.  There 
are  none  of  the  vanities  of  the  Gentiles  that 
can  give  rain,  neither  can  the  heavens  cause 
showers.  Thou  Lord  art  he  alone  who  can 
relieve  us,  therefore  we  wait  on  thee.  Thou 
wast  pleased  to  promise,  that  seed  time  and 
harvest,  summer  and  winter,  day  and  night, 
should  not  cease  while  the  earth  remaineth, 
remove,  we  beseech  thee,  the  present  aspects 
of  thy  providence,  which  seem  to  invalidate 
this  promise,  and  let  the  grass  grow  for  the 
cattle,  and  herb  for  the  service  of  man,  that  ia 
due  time  we  may  have  a  competent  ingather- 
ing of  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  and  have  where- 
with to  come  before  thee,  at  the  close  of  the 
year,  with  meat  and  drink-offerings. — We  re- 
new our  address  to  thee,  that  in  the  midst  of 
this  chastening,  thou  wilt  be  pleased  to  send 
us  spiritual  blessings.  Rain  down  righteous- 
ness  upon  us,  and  may  a  work  of  reformation 
be  carried  on,  and  the  more  we  see  of  troubles 
and  disappointments  here,  the  more  we  may 
be  prepared  for  a  better  world.     Amen. 

For  Fair  Weather. 

O  Almighty  God,  King  of  all  kings  and 
Governour  of  the  universe,  whose  power  no 
creature  can  resist,  and  to  whom  it  belongeth 
justly  to  afflict  sinners,  we  acknowledge  that 
for  our  iniquities  we  have  worthily  deserved 
this  scourge  of  immoderate  rain  and  waters. 


yet  upon  our  true  repentance  thou  wilt  gra- 
ciously  be  pleased  to  pardon  our  past  offences, 
and  send  us  in  this  our  great  necessity,  such 
seasonable  and  favourable  weather,  as  that  we 
may  receive  the  fruits  of  the  earth  for  our  com- 
fort and  support,  and  with  thy  blessing  enjoy 
them,  and  by  this  judgment  be  convinced  of 
the  necessity  to  amend  our  lives  according  to 
the  precepts  in  thy  holy  word,  and  io  render 
thee  praiseand  thanksgiving  through  our  Lord 
and  baviour  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


GENERAL  THANKSGIVINGS. 

^  Almighty  God,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we, 
thine  unworthy  servants,  do  give  thee  most 
humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  all  thy  goodness 
and  loving  kindness  to  us,  and  to  all  men,  par- 
ticularly to  those  who  desire  to  offer  up  their 
praises  and  thanksgivings  for  late  mercies 
vouchsafed  unto  them.  We  bless  thee  for  our 
creation,  preservation,  and  all  the  blessings  of 
this  life  ;  but,  above  all,  for  thine  inestimable 
love  in  the  redemption  of  the  world  b^':  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  for  the  means  of  grace, 
and  for  the  hope  of  glory.  And.  we  beseech 
thee,  give  us  that  due  sense  of  all  thy  mercies, 
that  our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly  thankful, 
and  that  we  may  show  forth  thy  praise,  not 
only  with  our  li()s,  but  in  our  lives  ;  by  devot- 
ing  ourselves  to  thy  service,  and  by  walking 
hefore  thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all 
our  days,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
•imen. 


S7 


For  Rain. 

P  God  our  heavenly  Father,  who  by  thy 
gracious  providence  dotli  c^use  the  former  and 
latter  rain  to  descend  upon  the  earth,  that  it 
may  bring  forth  fruit  for  the  use  of  man  ;  we 
give  thee  humble  thanks,  that  it  hath  pleased 
thee  in  our  great  necessity  to  send  us  at  the  last 
a  joyful  rain  upon  thine  inheritance  and  to  re- 
fresh  it  when  it  was  dry,  to  the  great  comfort 
of  us  thy  unworthy  servants,  and  to  the  glory 
of  thy  holy  name,  through  thy  mercies  in  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

For  Fair  Weather. 

O  Almighty  God,  who  hath  justly  humbled 
us  by  thy  late  scourge  of  immoderate  rain  and 
waters,  and  in  thy  mercy  hath  relieved  and 
comforted  our  souls,  by  this  seasonable  and 
blessed  change  of  weather  ;  we  praise  and 
glorify  thy  holy  name  for  this  thy  mercy ; 
and  will  always  declare  thy  loving  kindness 
from  generation  to  generation,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Jimen. 

For  restoring  Public  Peace. 

O  Eternal  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  who 
art  a  strong  tower  of  defence  to  thy  servants 
against  their  enemies,  we  yield  thee  praise  and 
thanksgiving,  for  our  deliverance  from  those 
great  and  apparent  dangers  wherewith  we  were 
encompassed  ;  we  do  ackowledge  it  thy  good- 
ness that  we  were  not  delivered  over  as  a  prey 
unto  them,  beseeching  tbee  still  to  continue  thy 


28 

mercies  towards  u  >  and  grant  us  grace  that 
we  may  hence  forth  live  peaceable  lives  in  all 
godliness  and  honesty,  and  that  all  the  world 
may  know  that  thou  art  our  Saviour  and 
mighty  Deliverer,  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     •Amen. 

Conclusion. 

Master.  Almighty  God,  who  hast  given 
us  grace  at  this  time,  with  one  accord  to  make 
our  common  supplications  uuto  thee  ;  who  hast 
been  graciously  pleased  to  promise  thy  spe- 
cial  presence,  that  wherever  two  or  three  are 
gathered  together  in  thy  name,  thou  wilt  grant 
their  requests  ;  fulfil  now,  Lord,  the  desires 
and  petitions  of  thy  servants,  as  may  be  most 
expedient  for  them  ;  granting  us  in  this  world 
knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  in  the  world  to 
come  life  everlasting. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and 
the  love  of  God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  be  with  us  all  evermore.     Amen. 


DEVOTIONAL  EXERCISES. 
PART  II. 

Suitable,  also  for  the  Sabbath, 

Master.      Infinitely  great, 

In  case  of  the  ah- eternal  Jehovah,  who  an  cloth- 

ter,  the  eldest  of  ^cl   wlth    majesty   and    honour, 

the  family  to  offi-  who  coveiest  thvself  with  lisrht 

ciate  m  his  stead.  •.•  ^  ,. 

as  with  a  garment,  we  worsliip 
thee  as  a  Being  in  the  eternal  and  complete 
possession  of  every  possible  perfection.  We 
revere  that  power  by  which  the  world  was 
made,  and  that  beneficent  providence  which 
embraces  all  the  works  of  thine  hands.  We 
admire  that  wisdom  whieh  is  manifested  in  the 
course  and  order  of  nature,  and  we  adore  that 
goodness  which  extends  to  all  thy  creatures, 
diffusing  blessings  throughout  the  universal 
system.  Under  a  full  persuasion  that  thy 
government  is  founded  in  infinite  wisdom  and 
benevolence,  may  we  be  excited  to  rejoice  ia 
the  consideration  that  thou,  the  Lord  God  om- 
nipotent, reignest.  iVIay  we  always  entertaia 
such  high  and  exalted  conceptions  of  thy  maj- 
esty and  dominion,  and  have  such  views  of  thy 
glorious  perfections,  as  may  fill  our  souls  with 
reverence  and  veneration,  and  excite  internal 

3 


30 

worship  and  obedience.     Praised  be  God  for 
Sabbaths,  and    the    privileges   which   attend 
them  ;  for  the  institutions  of  public   worship, 
and  for  opportunities  of  engaging  in  it.     May 
thy  Holy  Spirit  accompany  us  to  the  house  of 
worship,  making  us  serious  and  attentive,  rais- 
ing our  minds  from  the  thoughts  of  this  world 
to  the  consideration  of  the  next.     May  we  fer- 
vently unite  in  the  prayers  and  praises  of  the 
congregation,  and  attend  to  religious  exercises 
with   sincerity,  and  practise   our  duty  in  our 
future   conduct.     Bless    the   ministers   of  the 
gospel ;  may  ihey  and  thy  people  be  animated 
in  their  devotions,  and  may  the  ministration  of 
thy  word  be  the  power  of  God   unto. salvation 
to  those  who  hear  it.     O  thou  Father  of  mer- 
cies, bless  us  who  are  now  in  thy  presence. 
We  impiOre  thy  grace  to  form  in  us  right  dis- 
positions to  wait  on  thee  in  the  service  of  the 
sanctuary,  that  our  assembling  together  may, 
by  thy  blessing,  prepare  us  for  thy  mercy  and 
pardon.      May   we  resign   our  concerns  into 
thy  hands,  and   commit  ourselves  to  thy  holy 
keeping.     May  mercies  draw  us  to  thee,  and 
may  afflictions  produce  their  designed  eflPect  on 
our  principles  and  practice.   Prepare  us  all  for 
whatever  may  be  before  us  in  life,  that  finally 
through  the  merits  of  thy  beloved  Son,  we  may 
be  admitted  into  thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

M.     Glory  be  to  the  father,  and  to  the  Son, 
and  to  the  Holy  Ghost — 

F.     As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now  and 
ever  shall  be,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


31 


Te  Deunif  or  general  Hymn  of  Praise. 

Master.  We  praise  thee,  O  God ;  we  ac 
knowledge  thee  to  be  the  Lord. 

Family.  All  the  earth  doth  worship  thee, 
the  Father  everlasting. 

M.  To  thee  all  angels  cry  aloud  ;  the 
heavens,  and  all  the  powers  therein. 

F.  To  thee  cherubim  and  seraphim,  who 
continually  are  uniting,  l^oly,  holy,  holy.  Lord 
God  of  Sabaoth. 

M.  Heaven  and  earth  are  full  of  the  ma- 
jesty of  thy  glory. 

F.  The  glorious  company  of  the  apostles 
praise  thee. 

The  goodly  fellowship  of  the  prophets 
praise  thee. 

The  noble  army  of  martyrs  praise  thee. 
The   holy   church,   throughout   the  world; 
doth  acknowledge  thee. 

The  Father  of  an  infinite  majesty ; 
Thine  adorable,  true,  and  only  Son  ; 
Also  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  comforter. 
Thou  art  the  King  of  glory,  O  Christ,  and 
the  everlasting  Son  of  the  Father. 

When  thou  tookest  upon  thee  to  deliver 
man,  thou  didst  humble  thyself  to  be  born  of 
a  virgin. 

When  thou  hadst  overcome  the  sharpness 
of  death,  thou  didst  open  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  to  all  believers. 

Thou  sittest  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  in  the 
glory  of  the  Father. 

We  believe  that  thou  shalt  come  to  be  our 
Judge. 


33 

We  therefore  pray  thee,  help  thy  servants, 
whom  thou  hast  redeemed. 

Aiake  them  to  be  numbered  with  thy  saints, 
in  glory  everlasting. 

O  Lord,  save  thy  people,  and  bless  thine 
heritage. 

Govern  and  lift  them  up  forever,  and  may 
we  daily  magnify  thee. 

And  worship  thy  name  ever,  world  without 
end. 

Vouchsafe,  O  Lord,  to  keep  us  this  day 
without  sin. 

O  Lord,  have  mercy  upon  us,  have  mercy 
on  us. 

O  Lord,  let  thy  mercy  be  upon  us,  as  our 
trust  is  in  thee. 

And  may  we  ever  confide  in  thee,  now 
and  forevermore.     Amen. 

Prayer. 

Master.  O  Almighty  Sovereign,  Lord  of 
heaven  and  earth.  Parent  of  angels  and  men, 
who  dwellest  in  light  and  glory  unapproach- 
able,  with  reverence  and  humility,  we  thine 
unworthy  servants  desire  to  prostrate  our- 
selves at  thy  sacred  footstool  this  day,  to  offer 
to  Thee  our  tribute  of  homage  and  worship, 
on  account  of  thy  perfections  and  providence. 
May  our  performances  in  religious  exercises 
be  with  such  sincerity,  purity  of  intention,  and 
devout  affection,  as  may  meet  thine  approba- 
tion, and  obtain  thy  gracious  acceptance, 
through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 

M.     O  Lord,  open  thou  our  lips* 


38 

F.  As  may  excite  our  hearts  to  celebrate 
thy  praise. 

iVlay  it  please  thee  of  thy  mercy  to  save  us., 

AVe  earnestly  beseech  thee  to  help  us. 

Manifest  thy  grace  and  favour  to  us. 

And  thereby  grant  us  thy  salvation. 

Endue  thy  ministers  w  ith  righteousness* 

And  may  their  respective  congregations  ob- 
tain thy  grace  and  favour. 

Give  peace,  unity  and  concord  in  thy  time, 
O  Lord. 

For  in  thy  government,  we  put  our  whole 
trust. 

Almighty  Ood  make  clean  our  hearts  with- 
in us 

And  may  thy  Holy  Spirit  now  accompa** 
ny  us. 

M.  Merciful  God,  grant  that  we  be  not 
ashamed,  to  confess  the  faith  of  Christ  cruci- 
fied, but  cheerfully  enlist  under  his  banner, 
against  sin  and  temptation,  and  to  continue 
Christ's  faithful  soldiers  and  servants  to  our 
lives  end. 

F.  Grant  that  the  offences  committed 
through  the  course  of  our  lives  may  be  forgiv- 
en, that  all  inordinate  affections  may  be  so 
buried,  that  the  new  man  may  be  raised  up 
in  us. 

M.  Grant  that  we  may  have  ?;trength  and 
power  to  obtain  the  victory  over  pride,  cov- 
etousness  and  hypocrisy. 

F.     Grant  that    we   may  be    endued   with 
heavenly  virtues,  and  finally  rewarded  through 
thy  mercy,  O  blessed  Lord  God,  who  governs 
all  things,  world  without  end. 
3* 


34 

Now  to  t1ie  King  eternal, immortal,  invisible^ 
tbe  only  wise  God,  be  all  honour  and  glory. 

Occasional  Prayer. 

Master.  Infinitely  great,  transcendently 
glorious  f  iord  our  God  :  with  adoring  admira^ 
tion  and  religious  joy,  we  would  contemplate 
the  wonderful  displays  of  thy  power,  wisdom 
and  goodness,  in  the  works  of  creation,  pja^vi- 
dence  and  grace.  We  would  render  praise 
and  thanksgiving,  particularly  for  thy  gra- 
cious providence  exercised  towards  this  lower 
world,  and  for  thy  loving  kindness  to  the  hu- 
man race,  and  we  desire  to  return  thee  our  sin- 
cjere  thanks,  that  thou  hast  been  pleased  to 
make  mankind  the  objects  of  thy  merciful  re- 
gards ;  in  showering  down  upon  them  a  rich 
profusion  of  blessings,  adapted  to  promote 
their  well  being,  and  to  render  their  lives 
pleasant  and  agreeable;  and  may  the  discove- 
ries  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  make  of 
thy  being  and  providence  ;  of  thy  glorious 
attributes  and  amiable  perfections  through  all 
thy  works,  be  a  constant  prevailing  motive  of 
adoration,  praise  and  gratitude,  and  cheerful 
compliance  with  all  thine  holy  requirements, for 
our  Kedeemer^s  sake.     Amen. 

Jin  Act  of  Adoration. 

Famili/  social.  Into  thy  presence,  O  most 
high  and  holy  Lord  God  Almighty,  we  would 
BOW  approach  Thee,  with  devout  reverence 
and  godly  fear,  for  thine  is  the  kingdom,  the 
power  and  the  glory;  the  heavens  and  the 


31 

earth  are  tlie  work  of  thy  hands,  and  thy  pro- 
vidence ruleth  over  all  :  xVlay  we  unile  with 
all  the  blessed  spirits  and  souls  of  the  righteous, 
and  worship  Thee  who  livest  for  ever  and 
ever :  Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive 
glory,  honour  and  power;  for  thou  hast  crea- 
ted all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they  are 
and  were  created,  (xreat  and  marvellous  are 
thy  works.  Lord  God  Almighty  ;  just  and  true 
are  thy  ways,  thou  Kingof  saints  ;  thy  wisdom 
is  infinite,  thy  mercies  are  boundless  :  To  thy 
name  be  the  praise  for  creating  goodness,  for 
preserving  mercy,  and  for  redeeming  love. 
Now  unto  Him  whose  glory  covereth  the  heav- 
ens, whose  praise  filleth  the  earth,  whose 
ways  are  everlasting,  who  only  doth  wondrous 
things,  do  we  lift  up  onr  hearts.  Blessed  be 
his  name  for  ever  and  ever.     .Imen. 

Taylor. 

Canticle. — Ml  creatures  throughout  the  whole 
system  of  nature  called  upon  to  praise  God. 
Adapted  to  occasions  of  Joy  and  Thanks- 
giving. 

Master.  O  ye  firmament,  ye  heaven  of 
heavens,  bless  ye  the  Lord  ;  praise  and  mag- 
nify his  name  for  ever. 

Family.  For  his  word  gave  nature  birth  ; 
his  will  is  nature's  law  ;  his  providence  sus- 
tains the  world,  and  the  whole  creation  is  his 
care. 

M.  Ye  sun,  moon,  and  all  the  starry  train 
in  your  heights,  bless  ye  the  Lord;  praise  and 
magnify  his  name  forever. 


36 

F.  All  power  resides  in  him,  aa  its  native 
seat ;  all  wisdom  flows  from  him,  as  from  it* 
original  source,  and  goodness  belongs  to  him 
as  an  essential  and  immortal  principle. 

M.  Ye  angels  of  light,  cherubim,  sera- 
phim  and  ye  celestial  inhabitants,  bless  ye 
the  Lord ;  praise  and  magnify  his  name  for 
ever 

K  For  great  is  the  Lord,  and  of  great 
power  ;  his  understanding  is  infinite,  and  his 
mercy  endureth  for  ever. 

M.  Ye  ambassadors  of  the  gospel,  that 
bringeth  good  tidings  of  peace,  and  all  the  in- 
habitants of  this  lower  world,  bless  ye  the 
Lord  ;  praise  and  magnify  his  name  for  ever, 

F.  Let  the  whole  earth  unite  in  praises  to 
the  universal  Parent  and  Friend  of  being,  from 
the  inexhaustible  stores  of  whose  bounty  and 
goodness,  our  wants  are  all  supplied. 

M.  Ye  kings,  presidents,  princes,  poten- 
tates, magistrates,  judges,  and  all  descriptions 
of  people,  whether  high  or  low,  bless  ye  the 
Lord;  praise  and  magnify  his  name  for  ever. 

F.  Let  all  fathers  and  matrons,  venerable 
with  age;  young  men  and  maidens,  and  those 
who  are  in  the  meridian  of  life,  togetiier  with 
children,  bear  a  part  in  this  harmonious  and 
devout  concert,  in  praising  his  name  for  ever. 

M.  Ye  various  seasons,  summer  and  win- 
ter,  frost  and  snows,  winds  and  tempests,  va- 
pour,  showers,  hail  and  dew,  bless  ye  (he 
Lord ;  praise  and  magnify  his  name  for  ever. 

F.  Ye  mountains  and  hills,  verdant  plains 
and  vallies,  tall  cedars,  towering  oaks,  fruit- 
ful treeS;  winding  yiues,  flowery  meads;  and 


37 

humble  shrubs,  bless  ye  the  Lord  ;  praise  and 
magnify  his  name  for  ever. 

JVf.  Ye  beasts  and  all  cattle,  ye  fish  that 
replenish  the  ocean,  with  creeping  things  and 
flying  fowl,  bless  ye  the  Lord  ;  praise  and 
magnify  his  name  for  ever. 

F.  Ye  waters  that  are  above  the  firmament, 
together  with  all  rivers,  seas,  lakes  and  foun- 
tains that  are  upon  the  earth,  bless  ye  the 
Lord  ;  praise  and  magnify  his  name  for  ever. 

M.  Praise  the  Lord,  O  ye  saints ;  praise 
thy  God,  O  Zion, 

jF.  For  the  Lord  is  good  to  all,  and  his 
tender  mercies  are  over  all  his  works ;  with 
peculiar  complaisance  he  beholds  his  devout 
worshippers  ;  he  hears  their  prayers,  and  will 
fulfil  the  desires  of  their  hearts. 

M.  While  we  live  let  us  praise  the  Lord ; 
let  us  celebrate  his  perfections  and  providence 
while  we  have  a  being ;  and  let  all  flesh  bless 
and  praise  his  holy  name  for  ever  and  ever, 
•Simen 

Confessional  Address^  adapted  for  family^  or 
public  Calamities. 

Master.  O  Thou  Father  of  mercies,  who 
gave  us  being  at  first,  and  who  hast  nourished 
and  brought  us  up  as  children:  when  we  re- 
fleet  upon  thy  goodness,  whereby  thou  hast 
laid  us  under  tlie  strongest  obligations  of  love 
arid  gratitude,  submission  and  obedience  ;  we 
desire  with  the  dee()est  humiliation,  contritioa 
ani  ijpiiiteutial  sorr-u,  to  reflect  on  the  unsnit- 
abie  rtlurus  we  have  made.  Behold  !  O  i^ord^p 


38 


we  are  vilie ;  we  have  been  ungrateful  to  thee, 
our  Creator  and  Preserver,  and  have  trans- 
gressed thy  holy  laws,  and  violated  our  obli- 
gations in  numerous  instances  of  infi;ratitude; 
we  have  erred  and  strayed  from  thy  ways, 
and  have  followed  too  much  the  devices  and 
desires  of  our  own  hearts;  we  have  done  those 
things  we  ought  not  to  have  done,  and  left  nn- 
done  those  things  we  ought  to  have  done,  and 
there  is  no  health  in  us,  and  we  are  before  thee 
in  our  trespasses  and  sins.  We  do  earnestly 
repent  and  are  heartily  sorry  for  these  our  mis- 
doings ;  the  remembrance  of  them  is  grievous 
unto  us,  whereby  we  have  exposed  ourselves 
to  thy  righteous  displeasure,  and  rendered  our- 
selves obnoxious  to  thy  resentments  !  But  thou, 
O  God,  have  mercy  on  us  miserable  offenders  ; 
restore  to  us,  who  are  penitent,  thy  grace,  ac- 
cording  to  thy  promise  declared  unto  mankind 
in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord  ;  and  may  afflictive 
dispensations  have  their  due  effect ;  may  thy 
rod  of  correction  serve  to  reform  us,  that  in  fu- 
ture we  may  endeavour  to  walk  before  thee  in 
newness  of  life,  and  new  obedience. 

Family.  Remember  not,  Lord,  our  offen- 
ces ;  spare  thy  people,  and  be  not  angry  with 
us. 

M.  Almighty  God,  deal  not  with  us  after 
our  sins. 

F,  ]Sor  reward  us  according  to  our  iniqui- 
ties. 

Correct  us  not.  Lord,  in  anger,  lest  thou 
bring  us  to  nothing. 

We  beseech  thee  help  and  deliver  us  for 
thy  name's  sake. 


39 

Enter  not  into  judgment  with  thy  unworthy 
servants, 

For  in  thy  sight,  none  living  can  be  justified. 

Favourably  be  pleaded  to  accept  our  peti- 
tions. 

Graciously  behold  the  afflictions  and  sor- 
rows of  our  hearts. 

Lord,  may  thy  goodness  and  mercy  be  ex- 
tended to  us. 

And  may  we  finally  obtain  thy  grace  and 
favour. 

Master.  Almighty  God,  may  we  rejoice 
in  the  assurance  which  thou  hast  given  us,  that 
there  is  forgiveness  with  thee  for  penitents  ; 
and  we  beseech  thee  to  regard  the  contrition 
and  sincerity  of  our  souls,  and  for  thy  name^s 
sake  pardon  our  iniquities,  and  grant  us  thy 
salvation,  according  to  the  riches  of  thy  grace, 
that  being  animated  by  the  noblest  motives, 
and  actuated  by  the  best  principles  in  the  pro- 
secution of  our  various  stations  in  life,  we  may 
in  the  future  course  of  our  pilgrimage,  main- 
tain our  integrity,  preserve  our  consciences 
clear,  and  approve  ourselves  to  Thee,  as  duti- 
ful subjects  of  thy  moral  kingdom,  by  a  cheer- 
ful resignation  to  thy  sacred  will  in  all  in- 
stances, wherein  thou  art  pleased  to  make  us 
acquainted,  either  by  the  light  of  nature  or 
revelation,  ascribing  to  thy  great  name,  honour 
and  power  everlasting.     Amen. 

Master.  O  Lord  save  us  thy  servants, 
Familij.   Who  put  our  trust  in  thee. 


40 


Be  thou  to  us  a  strong  tower, 

From  the  assaults  of  our  enemy* 

Our  help  standeth  in  the  name  of  the  Lord^ 

Who  hath  made  heaven  and  earth. 

Lord,  hear  our  prayers, 

And  may  our  petitions  be  accepted. 

Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord, 

Henceforth  world  without  end. 

Occasional  Prayer  for  the  Evening  Service. 

Master.  Almighty  God,  lighten  our  dark- 
ness we  beseech  thee,  and  by  thy  great  mercy 
defend  us  from  all  perils  and  dangers  of  this 
night,  granting  us  moderate  and  refreshing 
rest,  free  from  sinful  imaginations,  which  too 
often  are  the  effects  of  our  corrupt  natures ; 
when  we  awake,  let  our  souls  be  filled  with 
heavenly  thoughts  and  pious  meditations,  al- 
ways  remembering  we  are  in  the  presence  of 
God,  who  knows  our  downsitting  and  our  up- 
rising, and  who  art  acquainted  with  all  our 
ways.  If  we  should  be  so  vain  and  thought- 
less as  to  believe  that  the  darkness  would  cov- 
er  us  from  thee  :  yet  the  darkness  and  light  to 
thee  are  both  alike.  And  forasmuch  as  the 
closing  our  eyes  to  rest,  so  nearly  resembles 
death,  and  our  beds  are  but  models  of  our 
graves,  out  of  which  we  must  one  day  be  called 
by  the  sound  of  the  last  trump,  to  arise  and 
come  to  judgment,  let  this,  and  every  evening, 
and  every  morning,  remind  us  of  our  dying 
hour.  Make  us,  therefore,  sensible  how  high- 
ly  it  concerns  us  while  we  have  health  of  body 
aud  soundness  of  mind,  to  be  armed,  like  good 


41 


soldiers^  with  Christian  courage  aod  resolntiou 
for  our  death-bed  conflicts  with  diseases 
and  spiritual  euemies,  that,  as  death  to  many 
is  a  terror,  it  may  be  to  us  a  friend,  that  we 
may  with  cheerftilness  quit  these  houses  of 
clay  and  fleshly  tabernacles^  and  exchange 
the  troubles  of  a  painful  pilgrimage  in  a  vale 
of  anxiety  for  heaven,  with  the  blessed  com- 
pany of  saints  and  angels,  and  enter  into  the 
joy  of  our  Lord  and  {Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
Amen. 

Occasional  Prayer. 

Master.  Almighty  God^  be  pleased  to  ac- 
cept  of  our  praises  and  thanksgivings,  offered 
unto  thee  for  thy  beneficent  providence,  which 
has  hitherto  attended  us  in  every  stage,  and 
through  all  the  vicissitudes  of  past  life,  making 
constant  provision  for  our  support  and  com- 
fort, by  innumerable  blessings  which  have  giv- 
en us  a  relish  for  existence,  and  laid  a  foun- 
dation for  the  most  animating  hopes  of  deriv- 
ing from  thine  inexhaustible  munificence  all 
further  needed  supplies  of  good,  and  affords 
us  constant  and  most  reviving  evidence  of 
thine  unmerited  paternal  care  and  bounty, 
whereof  we  have  had  hapjiy  experience,  and 
to  which  we  are  indebted  for  our  present  agree- 
able circumstances  :  May  we  live  under  an 
habitual  impressive  sense  of  our  dependence 
on  Thee,  and  obligations  to  tldne  ever  active 
providence,  in  acknowledging  Thee  in  all  thy 
ways  ;  may  we  put  our  trust  in  Thee  ;  through 
all  ihe  changing  scenes  of  life,  and  with  the 


43 


warmest  emotions  of  gratitude  and  most  fixed 
resolution  of  holy  obedience,  make  it  our  co  i- 
slant  and  devout  inquiry  what  we  shall  render 
to  Thee  for  all  thy  benefits. 

Master.  0  Thou  that  hearest  prayer,  who 
hast  not  (tnly  invited  and  encouraged,  but  com- 
manded us  to  maintain  a  sacred  intercourse 
with  heaven  by  prayer  and  supplication  to- 
gether  with  thanksgiving  ;  pardon  v^e  beseech 
thee  whatever  has  been  amiss  in  our  present 
address,  and  graciously  accept  us,  as  we  de- 
sire with  the  profoundest  humility  and  rever- 
ence to  close  our  devotions. 

Social. 

Our  Father  w  ho  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be 
thy  name  ;  thy  kingdom  come,  thy  will  be 
d(  ne  on  earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven  ;  grant 
us  thy  daily  blessing,  and  forgive  us  our  tres- 
passes, as  we  forgive  those  who  trespass 
against  us  ;  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but 
deliver  us  from  evil  ;  for  thine  is  the  kingdom, 
the  power,  and  the  glory  for  ever.     •.imen. 


CONTENTS. 


Devotional  Exercises. 

I.  General  Adoration  and  Prayer,  shewing  the  benefit  of 

Piety  and  Virtue. 

II.  Calculated  to  inspire  the  soul  with  exalted  concep- 

tions of  God. 

III.  God's  eternity  and  man's  mortality,  proper  on  the 

death  of  a  friend  or  near  relation. 

IV.  God's  omnipresence  ;  motive  to  caution  and  circum- 

spection. 

V.  Thanksgiving  and  Prayer,  with  expressions  of  Hope 

and  Joy  in  God. 

VI.  Breathings  of  a  devout  soul,  on  the  views  of  divine 

favour. 

VII.  Ascriptions  of  praise  to  God,  adapted  to  beget  awe 
and  holy  caution. 

VIII.  Confession  of  sins,  accompanied  with  prayer  and 
resolution  of  repentance. 

IX.  Expressions  of  resolution  to  praise  God  on  account  of 
his  perfection  and  providence. 

X.  Good  men  esteem  it  their  felicity  to  approach  God  iri 

acts  of  worship,  suitable  for  Sabbath  morning. 

XI.  The  majesty  and  power  of  God  displayed  in  the  ope- 
rations of  nature. 

XII.  The  mind  relieved  in  the  view  of  Providences  by 
the  prospect  of  future  reward. 

XIII.  Confession  of  sins  with  Prayers,  in  hopes  of  the 
mercy  of  God. 

XIV.  Rejoicing  in  the  Lord,  for  good,  who  fills  our  hearts 
with  delight  and  gladness. 

XV.  The  goodness  of,  God  towards  the  righteous  in  his 
Protection  and  Support. 


CONTENTS. 

XVI.  Shewing  the  Majesty  and  Glory  of  God,  with  joy 
and  confidence  in  him. 

XVII.  Faith  in  God,  and  Jesus  Christ,  the  way  to  increase 
and  strengthen  it. 

XVIII.  The   shortness   of  life,   and  certainty   of  death 
adapted  to  occasions  of  mortality. 

XIX.  The  condescension  of  God  for  his  goodness  in  the 
blessings  of  the  new  covenant. 

XX.  The  displays  of  the  perfections  and  providence  of 
God  conspicuous  in  the  Heavens  and  Earth. 

XXI.  Sincerity  in  religion  the  subject  of  prayer  and  ex- 
hortation. 

XXII.  Calculated  to  promote  christian  temper  and 
charity. 

XXIII.  Confession,  supplication  and  confidence  in  God, 
adapted  also  for  Sabbath  morning. 

XXIV.  Diligence  and  contentment. 

XXV.  On  Divine  Goodness. 

XXVI.  Peculiarly  adapted  for  the  young. 

XXVII.  The  righteous  and  wicked  compared. 

XXVIII.  The  importance  and  excellent  advantage  of 
Divine  Revelation. 

XXIX.  Suitable  for  Christmas  morning.  On  the  incar- 
nation of  Christ,  and  merciful  design  of  his  advent 
into  the  world. 

XXX.  Concludes  on  the  day  of  judgment. 


DEVOTIONAL  EXERCISES. 


PREFACE. 


THE  book  of  Psalms  "being  calculated  to 
excite  those  religious  affections,  which  we 
owe  to  God,  as  our  Creator,  Preserver,  right- 
ful Sovereign,  and  gracious  Benefactor  ;  to 
inspire  the  soul  with  pure  and  elevated  de- 
votion, with  humility,  resignation,  confi- 
dence towards  God,  and  holy  resolutions ;  to 
strengthen  and  establish  the  principles  of  faith 
and  piety,  and  enforce  the  obligations  of  virtue 
and  a  good  life,  the  compiler  of  the  following 
exercises,  has  paid  particular  attention  to  it, 
and  made  large  selections  from  it.  He  hath 
not  however,  confined  himself  to  that  devo- 
tional book,  but  hath  collected  a  variety  of 
expressions  and  sentiments  from  other  parts 
of  the  inspired  scriptures,  adapted  to  inspire 
a  spirit  of  piety  and  rectitude,  and  to  preserve 
the  mind  in  a  serious  and  devout  frame. 
Nor  hath  he  aimed  at  any  methodical  or 
systematical  arrangement,  but  in  conformity 
to  the  general  mode  of  composition,  adopted 
by  the  inspired  writers,  wh^n  treating  on  the 
1 


6 

duties  of  faith,  pi^ty  and  religious  homage, 
hath  promiscuously  introduced  adoration  and 
prayer,  instruction,  exhortation,  and  devotion, 
presuming  that  families  who  are  disposed  to 
avail  themselves  of  the  assistance  of  these 
exercises,  will  have  sufficient  discretion  to 
use  one,  or  more,  as  may  be  best  suited  to 
circumstances  and  occasions,  whether  special 
or  common;  the  master  at  his  option,  reading 
the  first  verse,  the  family  the  second,  and  so 
on  alternately  to  the  end  of  the  exercise,  as 
may  be  deemed  most  subservient  to  the  pur- 
pose of  religious  edification. — The  compiler 
only  adds  his  earnest  prayer,  that,  by  the 
concurring  blessing  of  Heaven,  this  sincere 
attempt  to  promote  a  spirit  of  piety  and  devo- 
tion, and  a^ conscientious  walk  with  God,  in 
righteousness  and  true  holiness,  may  be 
crowned  with  success. 


DEVOTIONAL  EXERCISES. 


SELECTED     CHIEFLY     FROM     THE     SACRED     SCRIPTUKE3,     AXD 
ESPECIALLY    FROM   THE    PSALMS. 


EXER.  I. 

General  adoration  and  prayer^  interspersed 
with  some  expressions^  shewing  the  advan- 
tages  of  piety  and  virtue. 

1.  Master.  It  is  a  good  thing  to  call  on 
the  name  of  the  Lord  ;  to  confess  our  sins  be- 
fore hioi  with  penitence  ;  to  recount  his  mer- 
cies with  thanksgiving,  and  to  acknowledge, 
with  adoration,  that  universal  providence 
which  sustains  and  governs  the  world,  and 
diffuses  happiness  throughout  the  whole  sys- 
tem of  nature. 

2.  Family.  O  Eternal  Source  of  good  ;  by 
thy  almighty  power  thou  didst  create  man 
and  inspire  him  with  the  breath  of  life  ;  grant 
us  we  humbly  pray,  thy  gracious  guidance 
and  aid  amidst  all  the  trials,  changes,  and 
vicissitudes,  incident  to  the  present  state  of 
imperfection  and  mortality  ;  and  afterwards 
receive  us  to  glory. 


8 

3.  M.  Blessed  is  the  man  who  choosetli 
the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  delighteth  to  perforin 
his  will ;  who  doth  justly,  loveth  mercy,  and 
walketh  humbly,  and  avoiding  the  ways  of 
the  wicked,  doth  sincerely  exercise  himself; 
day  and  night  in  the  service  of  his  God. 

4.  F.  His  leaf  shall  not  wither;  but  he 
^hall  flourish  as  a  tree  planted  by  the  water 
side,  which  seasonably  and  plentifully  yield- 
eth  its  fruit,  and  whatsoever  he  undertaketh 
shall  prosper.  His  days  shall  be  prolonged 
on  the  earth,  and  he  shall  rejoice  in  them  all. 

5.  Jil.  O  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  art 
from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thy  name  is 
great  in  the  earthj  and  thy  mercies,  unbound- 
ed by  time,  are  endless  as  eternity.  Hear 
our  requests,  we  beseech  thee^  and  may  our 
prayers  for  pardoning  mercy,  and  for  grace 
to  fulfil  thy  will,  ever  meet  thy  favourable 
audience. 

6.  Jt\  Let  all  those,  O  Lord,  who  confide 
in  thee,  rejoice,  and  may  our  praises  ever  be 
acceptable  in  thy  sight ;  for  every  day  of  our 
lives  is  crowned  with  thy  loving  kindness, 
and  thou  art  continually  showering  down 
upon  us  innumerable,  unmerited  blessings, 
relieving  us  in  distresses,  supporting  us  in 
troubles,  protecting  us  in  dangers,  and  provid- 
ing  for  our  comfort,  through  all  the  changing 
scenes  of  life. 

7.  M.  What  is  man,  O  Lord,  that  thou 
art  mindful  of  him,  or  the  son  of  man  that 
thou  visitest  him  ?  for  though  thou  hast  given 
us  pre-eminence  above  the  fowls  of  the  air 
and  beasts  of  the  field,  and  made  us  capable 


9 

of  offerias  thee  a  rational  and  religious  ser- 
vice, yet  every  man,  at  his  best  estate,  is  al- 
together vanity. 

8.  F.  We  will  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord 
and  praise  him  with  our  whole  hearts,  we 
will  rejoice  in  him,  for  he  maintaineth  our 
right.  His  throne  is  established  in  equity, 
and  he  will  finally  judge  the  world  in  right- 
eousness. 

9.  M,  O  praise  the  Lord,  who  dwelleth  in 
Zion,  whose  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness 
are  underived  and  infinite,  and  without  whose 
permission  and  superintendence  not  even  a 
sparrow  falleth  to  the  ground. 

10.  F.  Trust  in  the  Lord  and  thou  shalt 
be  satisfied ;  delight  in  him  and  he  will  give 
thee  thy  hearths  desire;  commit  thy  ways  un- 
to him  and  he  will  be  thy  present  guardian 
and  friend,  and  thy  final  and  eternal  portion. 

ll.M.  Praise,  O  our  souls,  the  glorious 
Jehovah,  who  is  clothed  with  honour  and 
majesty,  and  dwelleth  in  light  inaccessible. 

12.  F.  The  Lord  spreadeth  out  the  heav- 
ens  as  a  curtain ;  the  clouds  are  his  chariots 
and  he  moveth  on  the  wings  of  the  wind  ;  He 
maketh  his  angels  spirits,  and  his  ministers  a 
flaming  fire. 

13.  F.  Give  unto  the  Lord  the  glory  due 
to  his  name ;  worship  him  in  the  beauty  of 
holiness,  and  with  the  inward  devotion  and 
homage  of  the  heart,  for  all  things  are  naked 
and  open  to  his  view,  and  he  requireth  truth 
in  the  inward  part. 

14.  F\  Lord,  who  shall  be  admitted  to  the 
habitations  of  the  heavenly  paradise  ?     He^ 

1^ 


10 

who^  under  the  sacred  influence  of  religion 
and  virtue^  worships  thee  in  spirit  and  in 
truth,  and  with  unfeigned  integrity,  discharg- 
eth  the  duties  of  justice^  fidelity^  and  charity 
towards  his  neighbour. 

15.  M.  He,  who  promiseth  and  perform- 
eth,  w  ho  is  faithful  in  his  covenants  and  true 
to  his  engagements,  who  loves  God  supreme- 
ly^ and  his  neighbour  as  himself. 

1(5.  I\  The  Lord  will  reward  him  accord- 
ing to  the  purity  of  his  intentions,  and  the 
regularit^^  of  his  actions ;  for  verily  there  is  a 
reward  for  the  righteous,  and  their  expecta- 
tion shall  not  be  disappointed. 


EXKR.  II. 

Calculated  to  inspire  the  soul  taith  honorary 
and  exalted  conceptions  of  the  Deity  ;  to 
strengthen  our  faith  in  him;  and  encourage 
the  virtues  of  a  pious  and  good  life. 

i.  Master.  The  Lord  reigneth,  let  the 
earth  stand  in  awe  before  him,  and  with  glad- 
ness of  heart  rejoice  in  his  sovereign  do- 
minion, 

^.  J^amily.  The  Lord  rideth  upon  the 
heavens  in  his  mighty  and  in  his  excellency 
on  the  skies  ;  the  clouds  are  the  dust  of  his 
feet ;  fire  and  hail,  snow  and  vapour,  thunder^ 
storm^  and  tempest  fulfil  his  word. 

3.  M.  If  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be 
against  us  ?  He  sitteth  in  the  circuit  of  heav- 
en and  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth  are  before 


11 

him  as  nothing.  He  frowneth  at  the  plots  of 
the  wicked,  and  bringeth  tlie  counsels  of  the 
froward  to  nought. 

4.  t\  Happy  then  are  those  whom  he 
receives  under  the  wings  of  his  holy  protec- 
tion. Encircled  in  the  arms  of  his  aloiighty 
guardianship,  tliey  rejoice  in  security,  amidst 
those  alarming  convulsions  and  tumults, 
which  threaten  to  involve  the  world  in  misery 
and  ruin. 

5.  M.  O  Thou  Most  High,  guard  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  as  the  apple  of  the  eye ;  secure 
us  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings ;  may  we 
be  satisfied  with  thy  goodness,  and  behold 
thy  face  in  righteousness. 

6.  F.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  our  souls,  and 
rejoice  in  the  God  of  our  salvation.  Let  us 
choose  him  for  the  portion  of  our  inheritance, 
and  order  our  conversation  aright  before  him. 
Then  he  will  maintain  our  lot,  and  secure 
for  us  a  goodly  heritage  under  the  smiles  of 
his  gracious  providence* 

7.  M.  In  all  the  important  affairs  of  life, 
let  us  take  God  into  our  consideration  and 
counsels  ;  and  in  a  way  of  well  doing,  repose 
our  confidence  in  him,  as  the  rock  of  ages. 
Then  shall  we  not  fall ;  but  be  supported 
through  life,  rejoicing  in  the  views  of  futurity; 
moreover  also  our  flesh  shall  finally  rest  in 
hope. 

8.  F.  O  Thou  fountain  of  light  and  wis- 
dom, guide  our  feet,  we  beseech  thee,  into 
the  path  which  leadeth  to  life  eternal ;  that 
we  may  finally  be  admitted  to  thine  heavenly 
presence;  where  there  is  fulness  of  joy,  and 


12 

be  placed  at  thy  right  haad^  where  are  pleas- 
ures evermore. 

9  M.  We  adore  thee,  O  Lord,  who  art 
our  shield  and  strength,  our  refuge  and  for- 
tress. In  thee  we  will  put  our  trust.  We 
will  call  upon  thee  in  the  day  of  trouble,  and 
thou  wilt  hear  our  voice,  and  preserve  us  in 
safety,  as  not  to  fear  the  wrath  of  man,  nor 
the  malice  of  any  of  the  powers  of  darkness. 

10.  F.  Considering,  that  if  we  do  well, 
we  shall  be  accepted  ;  but  if  we  do  ^not  well, 
remorse  will  be  the  issue,  God  will  be  dis^ 
pleased  and  his  providence  frown  upon  us. 

It.  M.  God's  ways  are  prefect;  the  word 
of  tlie  Lord  is  tried  ;  he  is  a  buckler  to  those 
who  put  their  trust  and  confidence  in  him. 

13.  F.  With  the  merciful,  he  will  shew 
himself  merciful  ;  with  the  upright,  he  will 
shew  himself  upright ;  with  the  pure  he  will 
shew  himself  pure  ;  and  with  the  froward,  he 
will  shew  himself  froward. 

13.  M.  For  the  time  approaches,  when  he 
will  pronounce.  Those  who  are  unjust,  let 
them  be  unjust  still;  and  those  who  are 
filthy,  let  them  be  filthy  still ;  and  those  who 
are  righteous,  let  them  be  righteous  still  ; 
and  those  who  are  holy,  let  them  be  holy  still. 

14.  F.  Thy  law  Almighty  God  is  perfect, 
converting  the  soul  ;  thy  testimony  is  pure, 
making  wise  the  simple ;  thy  statues  are 
right,  rejoicing  the  heart ;  thy  commandment 
is  pure,  enlightening  the  eyes. 

16.  AL  Moreover,  by  them  are  thy  ser- 
vants warned ;  and  in  keeping  them  there  is 
a  great  reward* 


13 

16.  F.  Blessed  are  those  that  do  his  com- 
inandments;  they  will  have  a  right  to  the  tree 
of  life^  and  will  enter  in  through  the  gates  of 
the  city. 


EXER.  111. 

God^s  eternity  and  man-s  mortality^  with  suit- 
abh  petitions  ;  peculiarly  proper  on  occa- 
sion of  the  death  of  a  near  friend  or  rela- 
tion. 

!•  Master.  O  Lord  our  God,  who  inhabit- 
est  eternity,  and  fillest  immensity  ;  how  ex- 
cellent is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth,  and  thy 
glory  above  the  heavens. 

S.  Family.  Before  the  day  was ;  before 
the  mountains  were  brought  forth,  or  ever  the 
earth  and  the  world  were  formed  ;  even  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting  thou  art  God  ;  the 
same  yesterday,  to  day,  and  forever. 

3.  M.  The  earth  and  the  heavens  shall 
perish,  but  the  Lord  shall  endure  forever. 
They  shall  wax  old  as  doth  a  garment,  and 
as  a  vesture  shall  he  fold  them  up,  and  they 
shall  be  changed,  but  his  years  have  no  end. 

4.  F.  His  goings  forth  have  been  from  of 
old,  from  everlasting  ;  and  the  number  of  his 
years  cannot  be  searched  out. 

5.  M.  One  day  is  with  the  Lord,  as  a 
thousand  years,  and  a  thousand  years  as  one 
day,  and  our  age  is  as  nothing  before  him. 

6.  F.  Man  fleeth  as  a  shadow,  his  days 
are  swifter  than  a  post. — We  do  all  fade 
away  as  a  leaf,  and  there  is  none  abiding. 


li 

7.  M.  All  flesh  is  grass,  and  the  glory  of 
man  as  the  flower  of  the  field.  The  grass 
withereth,  and  the  flower  thereof  falleth  away. 
The  wind  passeth  over  it^  and  it  is  gone,  and 
the  place  thereof  shall  know  it  no  more. 

8.  F.  Man  that  is  born  of  woman,  is  of 
few  days  and  fall  of  trouble.  He  cometh 
forth  as  a  flower,  and  is  cut  dqwn  ;  he  fleeth 
also  as  a  shadow  and  continueth  not. 

9.  M.  The  Lord  knoweth  our  frame,  he 
remembereth  that  we  are  but  dust.  May  he 
impress  our  minds  with  the  consideration  of 
our  end,  and  the  measure  of  our  days,  that 
we  may  know  how  frail  we  are. 

10.  F.  The  common  period  of  our  life  is 
threescore  years  and  ten,  and  if  by  reason  of 
strength  it  be  prolonged  to  fourscore  years, 
yet  will  labour  and  sorrow  unavoidably  at- 
tend that  protracted  duration. 

11.  M.  May  the  Sovereign  Arbiter  of  life 
and  death,  teach  us  so  to  number  our  days, 
that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom ; 
that  in  the  advancing  eve  of  life  (should  we 
attain  to  old  age)  as  well  as  in  earlier  periods, 
we  may  rejoice  in  the  light  of  his  countenance, 
and  be  supported  by  reviving  hopes  of  a  bless- 
ed  immortality  beyond  the  grave. 

12.  F.  Satisfy  us,  O  Lord,  with  life  ;  sat- 
isfy  us  with  thy  mercies  ;  purify  our  affec- 
tions ;  elevate  our  minds  above  terrestrial  ob- 
jects ;  and  direct  our  steps  through  all  the  in- 
tricate  passages  of  our  present  pilgrimage, 
till  we  arrive  safely  at  the  heavenly  Canaan. 

13.  M.  O  our  Heavenly  Father,  who  hast 
aceessto  all  minds,  strengthen  our   holy  re- 


15 

solutions,  and  fortify  us  by  the  aids  of  thy 
gracious  presence,  that  we  may  persevere  in 
the  ways  of  duty,  and  at  last  be  crowned  with 
the  rewards  of  the  just. 

14.  F.  Prepare  us,  O  Lord,  for  all  the 
events  of  life  ;  for  w^hatever  scenes  may  open 
upon  us,  and  for  whatever  changes  await  us, 
during  the  remainder  of  our  journey  through 
the  wilderness  of  this  world  ;  and  enable  us 
to  acquit  ourselves  with  dignity  and  honour, 
as  good  and  faithful  servants. 

15.  M.  May  faith  and  piety,  benevolence 
and  goodness,  be  the  governing  principles  of 
our  lives,  and  may  we  ever  be  glad  and  re- 
joice in  the  salvation  of  God. 

16.  F.  Supported  by  that  hope,  which 
the  gospel  inspires,  may  we  be  wafted  by 
propitious  gales,  over  the  tempestuous  sea  of 
this  mortal  life,  and  finally  be  landed  safely 
in  the  calm  regions  of  immortality. 

Where  everlasting  peace,  and  joy,  and  rest, 
Shall  all  conspire  to  make  us  ever  blest. 


EXER.   IV. 

God^s  omniscience  and  omnipresence^  motives 
to  caution  and  circumspection. 

i.  Master.  O  Lord  thou  hast  searched 
and  known  us.  Thou  knowest  our  down  sit- 
ting and  our  uprising,  and  art  acquainted 
with  all  our  ways. 

S.  Family.  Thou  compassest  our  path  and 
our  laying  down ;  and  there  is  not  a  word  in 


16 

our  tongue,  nor  a  thought  in  our  heart,  but, 
O  Lord,  Thou  knowest  it  altogether. 

3.  M.  The  Lord  discerneth  the  spirits  of 
all  men ;  he  searcheth  all  hearts,  and  know- 
eth  the  things  that  come  into  our  minds,  and 
understandeth  all  the  imaginations  of  the 
thoughts. 

4.  JP.  He  observeth  all  our  works  ;  he 
pondereth  all  our  goings  ;  by  him  actions  are 
weighed  ;  and  a  book  of  remembrance  is 
written  before  him. 

d.  M.  Whither  shall  we  go  from  his 
spirit?  or  whither  shall  we  flee  from  his  pres- 
ence? Behold,  the  heavens,  and  the  heaven 
of  heavens  cannot  contain  him,  for  his  pres- 
ence pervades  the  universe. 

6.  F.  Should  we,  upon  the  wings  of  the 
morning,  fly  to  the  uttermost  limits  of  the 
creation,  even  there  would  his  hand  lead  us, 
and  his  right  hand  sustain  us. 

7.  M.  If  we  say,  the  darkness  shall  cover 
and  hide  us  from  his  presence,  even  the  night 
shall  be  light  about  us. 

8.  F.  The  all  discerning  eye  of  God 
penetrates  the  thickest  veil  of  darkness  ;  the 
night  shineth  before  him  as  the  day  ;  the 
darkness  and  the  light  are  both  alike  to  him. 

9.  M.  Such  knowledge  is  infinitely  too 
w^onderful  for  us,  it  is  high,  we  cannot  attain 
to  it. 

10.  F.  May  a  consideration  of  the  pres- 
ence, inspection,  and  infinite  knowledge  of 
God,  inspire  our  souls  with  awe  and  rever- 
ence, and  dispose  us  to  keep  our  consciences 
clean  and  clear. 


17 

11.  M.  May  such  solemn  thoughts  be  a 
constant  restraint  upon  us,  and  effectually 
deter  us  from  all  wickedness  and  criminal  in- 
dulgence. 

13.  F.  Under  the  habitual  impression  of 
such  awful  sentiments,  let  us  walk  before 
God  with  holy  caution  and  circumspection  all 
the  days  of  our  lives. 

13.  M.  Exercising  ourselves  to  have  al. 
ways  consciences  void  of  offence  ;  for  if  our 
hearts  reproach  us  not,  then  shall  we  have 
confidence  towards  God. 

14.  F.  Remember  that  God  is  of  purer 
eyes  than  to  behold  evil,  let  us  cleanse  our- 
selves from  all  filthiness  of  flesh,  and  spirit, 
and  perfect  holiness  in  his  fear. 

15.  M.  Under  a  realizing  belief  that  his 
all- seeing  eye  is  always  upon  us,  let  us  study 
to  approve  ourselves  to  him,  by  a  persevering 
and  close  compliance  to  his  will  and  holy 
laws. 

16.  F.  Then  shall  we  not  be  ashamed, 
when  we  have  respect  to  all  his  commands, 
but  may  possess  our  souls  in  peace,  rejoicing 
in  hope  of  being  finally  admitted  to  supreme 
felicity  in  the  kingdom  of  glory. 


EXER.  V. 

Thanksgiving  and  prayer^  interspersed  with 
expressions  ofhope^  confidence^  and  joy  in 
God. 

Mas.     O  THOU  gracious   Parent    of  the 
Avorld;  who  art  the  only  suitable  object  of 
S 


18 

supreme  homage  and  worship ;  who  crownesfc 
us  with  innumerable  blessings,  unmerited 
and  freely  bestowed  ;  daily  would  we  bow 
before  thee  to  offer  our  tribute  of  praise^  and 
to  implore  thy  future  benediction. 

Fam.  O  thou  who  hearest  prayers,  we  es- 
teem it  infinitely  reasonable  to  approach  thy 
presence  every  day,  with  humility  and  devo- 
tion, and  by  prayer  and  supplication,  togeth- 
er with  thanksgiving,  to  make  known  our  re- 
quests unto  thee. 

Confiding  in  thine  immutable  goodness  and 
providential  care,  O  Thou  Fountain  of  be- 
nevolence and  wisdom,  we  would  humbly 
refer  ourselves  and  all  our  concerns  to  thine 
unerring  guidance,  conduct  and  disposal. 

Considering  that  the  present  scene  of  mor- 
tal things  will  shortly  close,  and  supported 
by  lively  hopes  of  future  glory,  may  we  pre- 
serve a  calm  and  composed  mind  amidst  the 
anxieties,  disappointments,  sorrows  and  trials 
of  this  vale  of  tears. 

May  the  great  Creator  and  Preserver  of 
life,  in  whom  we  live  and  move  and  have  our 
being,  teach  us  to  be  wise  in  time^  that  we 
may  be  happy  through  eternity. 

May  the  Father  of  Lights,  from  whom 
Cometh  down  every  good  and  perfect  gift, 
give  us  clear  perceptions  of  things,  and  arm 
us  against  the  temptations  to  unworthy  con- 
duct,  with  which  we  are  surrounded,  that  we 
inay  never  deviate  from  truth  and  rectitude, 
but  maintain  our  integrity,  and  preserve  our 
consciences  cleaA  and  clear  to  the  end  of 
life. 


19 

For  the  Lord  regarcleth  with  complaisance, 
those  who  fear  him  ;  he  will  support  them  in 
times  of  trouble,  and  never  suffer  them  to  be 
tempted  above  what  they  are  able  to  bear ; 
'  and  will  cause  all  things  to  work  together 
for  good. 

Verily  the  righteous  shall  be  joyful  in  tho 
Lord,  and  be  glad  in  his  salvation  :  the  Al- 
mighty will  be  their  staff  and  defence,  and 
with  the  light  of  his  countenance  will  illume 
the  shadow  of  death,  when  they  are  called  to 
pass  through  that  gloomy  vale, 
I.  Beholding   the  gates  of  heaven  wide  un- 

folded to  give  them  entrance,  they  shall  re- 
joice  in  God  their  salvation,  and  with  trans- 
port  exult  in  the  views  of  glory,  honour  and 
immortality. 

The  upright  man  lias  a  treasure  in  him- 
self, out  of  the  reach  of  the  changes  and 
chances  of  this  world.  Conscious  integrity 
opens  in  his  breast  an  unfailing  source  of  con- 
solation and  delight,  in  every  condition  of  life. 
He  is  satisfied  from  himself. 

The  gratulations  of  his  own  heart  in  reflect- 
ing upon  virtuous  intentions  and  actions,  pre- 
serve  a  constant  serenity  within,  and  inspire 
him  with  fortitude  to  bear  all  the  adversities 
and  afflictions,  which  may  fall  to  his  lot,  in 
his  present  state  of  trial  and  discipline. 

The  memory  of  a  well  spent  life,  affords 
the  most  ravishing  and  permanent  pleasures 
to  the  soul,  and  does  especially  yield  conso- 
lation and  excite  lively  joy  in  the  gloomy 
hour  of  its  separation  from  the  body. 

But  sinful  gratifications,  itnd  the  pleasures 


20 

of  a  vicious  life  are  transitory,  pregnant  with 
sorrow,  and  cast  a  dismal  shade  over  the  face 
of  futurity. 

May  such  thoughts  ever  possess  our  souls, 
and  under  the  influence  of  such  sentiments, 
may  we  be  engaged  to  cultivate  such  purity 
of  heart  and  life  as  sliall  secure  for  us  the 
favour  and  friendship  of  tiie  Almighty  Dis- 
poser of  events  and  Governor  of  futurity. 

Duly  considering  the  uncertainty  of  all  sub- 
lunary  enjoyments,  and  not  forgetting  that 
death  is  the  unavoidable  lot  of  mankind,  may 
we  carry  our  views  forward  into  future  scenes, 
beyond  death  and  the  grave,  and  take  care 
ieasonably  to  lay  up  treasures  in  heaven. 

May  we  ever  preserve  upon  our  minds, 
such  a  sense  of  the  presence  and  inspection  of 
the  great  and  glorious  God,  as  shall  raise  us 
superior  to  temptations,  and  dispose  us  to 
keep  our  consciences  void  of  oflfence ;  that 
we  may  have  the  ineffable  satisfaction  of  an- 
ticipating  while  here,  that  supreme  and  eternal 
felicity,  which  God,  that  cannot  lie,  hatii 
promised  to  bestow  upon  all  his  faithful  ser- 
vants, hereafter. 


EXER.  VI. 

General  breathings  of  a  devout  souJ,  in  the 
vietvs  of  Divine  favour,  and  confident  hope 
of  Divine  guidance  and  direction. 

Mas.  Let  us  triumph  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  Jehovah,  and  rejoice  in  the  God  of  our 


SI 

salvation,  who  graciously  regardeth  our  de- 
votions,  sustaineth  us  by  his  providence,  and 
8upplieth  our  daily  returning  wants  from  the 
inexhaustible  fullness  of  his  bounty  and  good- 
ness* 

Fam.  Who,  O  Lord  shall  ascend  thy  holy 
mount,  and  inhabit  the  seats  of  the  blessed : 
He  whose  hands  are  pure,  who  hath  not 
deceived  nor  defrauded  his  neighbour,  and 
whose  mind  is  ennobled  with  moral  excel- 
lence, and  enriched  with  the  sublime  maxims 
of  religion,  and  principles  of  virtue  and  recti- 
tude. 

Mercy  and  truth,  light  and  grace  are  al- 
ways scattered  in  the  paths  of  those,  who 
sincerely  endeavour  to  keep  the  command- 
ments of  God.  The  Lord  will  guide  them 
in  judgment,  and  shew  them  the  way  to  sal- 
vation. 

May  a  serious  recognition  of  the  innumer- 
able instances  of  divine  mercy  and  loving 
kindness,  of  which  we  have  had  happy  expe- 
rience,  fill  us  with  unfeigned  sorrow  for  our 
past  ingratitude  and  frequent  departures  from 
the  line  of  duty,  and  excite  the  most  earnest 
endeavours  to  fulfil  the  will  of  our  heavenly 
Benefactor  for  the  future. 

May  the  Author  of  all  intelligence  and 
wisdom,  who  gave  us  our  rational  faculties, 
teach  us  the  knowledge  of  ourselves,  make 
us  acquainted  with  the  important  destination 
and  grand  interest  of  our  being,  and  dispose 
to  a  correspondent  practice. 

O  Thou,  who  gave  us  life  at  first,  and  by 
whose  visitatiau  our  spirits  have  been  hitherto 


S3 

upheld,  cause  us  to  know  our  end  and  the 
measure  of  our  days,  and  duly  to  consider 
and  prepare  for  our  latter  end,  before  death 
shall  dissolve  the  vital  tie^  w^hich  unites  soul 
and  body,  and  deliver  us  into  the  embraces 
of  a  boundless  eternity. 

The  righteous  Lord  loveth  righteousness. 
Justice  and  judgment,  in  concert  with  grace 
and  mercy,  are  the  habitation  of  his  throne. 
He  regardeth  the  moral  differences,  in  men's 
characters,  and  will  finally  render  to  every 
one  according  to  the  nature  and  quality  of  his 
actions. 

Happy  is  the  man,  whom  the  Lord  chus- 
eth^  and  causeth  to  approach  unto  himself; 
he  shall  dwell  in  the  courts  of  the  Lord,  be 
satisfied  in  his  goodness^  and  be  glad  in  his 
Salvation. 

The  righteous  shall  inherit  the  earth. 
Wisdom  marks  their  steps,  and  gives  them 
internal  peace  and  external  tranquility^  and 
they  derive  unspeakable  solace  from  con- 
scious integrity. 

But  the  way  of  transgressors  is  hard.  It 
is  full  of  thorns  and  briars.  Sorrow  and  re- 
morse, misery  and  wretchedness  are  the  in- 
separable  companions  of  those  who  walk 
therein,  and  its  end  is  remediless  perdition. 

O  thou  Parent  of  knowledge,  teach  us  the 
knowledge  of  thyself;  shew  us  the  way  of 
the  godly^  and  guide  us  into  the  paths  of  the 
upright ;  inspire  us  with  that  wisdom  which 
is  from  above,  and  at  all  times  profitable  to 
direct,  and  make  us  wise  unto  salvation. 
Most  m^rqiful  father  in   heave n^   impress 


23 

our  minds^  we  beseech  thee,  with  a  lively 
sense  of  our  duty  and  obligations,  as  reason- 
able beings  and  as  christians ;  incline  our 
hearts  to  fear  thy  name,  and  may  our  breasts 
ever  glow  with  sentiments  of  love  and  grati- 
tude to  thee. 

The  Lord  loveth  judgment,  and  forsaketh 
not  his  saints  ;  they  are  preserved  forever  ; 
but  the  seed  of  the  wicked  shall  be  cut  off. 

What  man  is  he  that  desireth  life  and  lov- 
eth many  days  that  he  may  see  good  ?  Let 
him  keep  his  tongue  from  evil  and  his  lips 
irom  speaking  guile. 

Depart  from  evil  and  do  good,  seek  peace 
and  pursue  it ;  so  shalt  thou  dwell  in  the 
land,  and  verily  thou  shalt  be  satisfied. 

O  Lord,  Thou  art  our  hope  and  confidence. 
Thy  name  is  great;  it  is  excellent  in  all  the 
earth,  whoso  offereth  praise  glorifieth  thee, 
and  he  that  ordereth  his  conversation  aright 
shall  see  thy  salvation. 


EXER.  VIL 

•Iscriptions  of  praise  to  God,  with  expres^ 
sions  of  reverence,  adapted  to  beget  awe 
and  excite  holy  caution. 

Mas.  Ascribe  unto  the  Lord,  ye  nations 
of  the  earth,  ascribe  unto  the  Lord,  glory 
and  power,  majesty  and  dominion  ;  reverence 
his  great  and  holy  name,  and  worship  at  his 
footstool. 

Fam.  The  Lord  our  God  is  the  Creator 


24 

of  the  heavens  and  the  earthy  and  of  all  things 
thereto  belonging,  whether  visible  or  invisi- 
ble^  and  to  answer  the  purposes  of  his  wis- 
dom and  benevolence  they  are  and  were  cre- 
ated. 

His  all-animating  presence  pervades,  sup- 
ports,  sustains  and  connects  the  whole  frame 
of  nature,  and  the  whole  creation  is  the  care 
and  charge  of  bis  beneficent  providence. 

God  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  our  joy  and 
hope.  If  he  be  for  us,  we  will  not  fear,  though 
the  earth  tremble  under  our  feet,  and  the 
mountains  be  carried  into  the  midst  of  the  sea. 

Let  the  heavens  rejoice  and  the  earth  be 
glad,  for  the  Lord  God  Omnipotent  reigneth, 
to  w^hose  infallible  direction  and  sovereign 
disposal,  all  the  convulsions,  commotions  and 
changes,  that  happen  in  the  natural  or  moral 
world,  are  subject.    . 

He  causeth  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  him, 
and  restraineth  the  remainder  thereof.  Pros- 
perity and  success  depend  upon  his  blessing, 
and  his  frown  disconcerteth  the  deepest  poli- 
cies of  men,  and  turneth  their  counsels  into 
foolishness. 

Who  would  not  fear  thee,  O  Thou  King  of 
nations  ?  For  to  thee  doth  it  appertain  to  or- 
der the  circumstances  of  all  mankind,  and  to 
dispense  blessings  or  calamities  among  the 
inhabitants  of  the  earth. 

Thou,  even  Thou,  O  Lord  God  Omnipo- 
tent,  art  to  be  feared,  and  who  can  stand  ia 
thy  sight  when  once  thou  art  angry? 

When  we  suffer  thy  terrors,  we  arc  dis- 
tracted;   but  the  light   of  thy  countenance 


25 

beams  the  most  lively  joy  and  gladness  into 
our  souls* 

Amidst  the  alternate  course  of  good  and 
evil,  with  which  this  sublunary  scene  is 
chequered,  teach  us  cheerfully  to  acquiesce 
in  thy  government,  and  whether  our  circum- 
stances be  more  or  less  prosperous  or  calam- 
itous, may  the  praises  of  our  God  always  em- 
ploy our  hearts  and  tongues. 

O  Thou  Sovereign  Power,  who  regulatest 
the  wide  expanse  of  heaven,  and  superintend- 
est  all  the  affairs  of  this  lower  world,  may 
Ip  thine  excellency  make  us  afraid  to  sin,  and 
excite  us  to  work  out  our  salvation  with  fear 
and  trembling. 

Let  all  the  earth  stand  in  awe  of  thee,  and 
all  the  inhabitants  of  the  world  bow  before 
thee  with  reverence  and  adoration. 

Let  all  people  walk  before  thee  with  holy 
caution  and  circumspection,  keeping  in  view 
that  approaching  day  of  reckoning,  when 
every  one  must  give  an  account  of  himself  to 
thee. 

Happy  is  the  man  who  feareth  always  ;  but 
he  that  hardeneth  his  heart  shall  fall  into  mis- 
chief and  finally  inherit  sorrow  and  trouble. 

Fear  ye  not  the  reproach  of  men,  neither 
be  dismayed  at  their  insolence  and  revilings. 
Who  art  thou,  that  shouldst  be  afraid  of  man, 
that  shall  die,  "  and  of  the  son  of  man,  that 
shall  be  made  as  grass,''  and  forgettest  the 
Lord  thy  Maker,  in  whom  alone  thou  canst 
find  unfailing  security  and  everlasting  conso- 
lation. 

Whoso  casteth  off  the  fear  of  the  Lord^  and 


26 

despiseth  his  commandments  shall  be  destroy, 
cd  ;  but  he  that  standeth  in  awe  of  his  word, 
and  obeyeth  his  holy  laws,  shall  rejoice  in 
his  salvation^  and  receive  a  glorious  reward. 


EXER.  VIII 

Confession  of  sin ^  wih  deep  contrition^  ac- 
comvanied  with  earnest  prayer  for  pardon^ 
ing  mercy p  and  with  resoliUions  of  repent- 
ance 

Mas.  Hear  our  prayer,  O  God,  and  heark- 
en to  the  voice  of  our  supplication ;  for  we 
are  exceedingly  troubled,  and  our  hearts  are 
disquieted  within  us,  because  of  our  trans- 
gressions. 

Fam.  What  shall  we  say  unto  thee,  O 
Thou  preserver  of  men  !  We  have  sinned, 
and  done  evil  in  the  view  of  thine  omniscience, 
and  are  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  chil- 
dren. 

Behold.  O  Lord,  we  are  vile;  we  have  done 
perversely,  and  been  disobedient  to  thy  holy 
commandments  ;  in  many  things  have  we  of- 
fended, and  in  all,  come  short  of  thy  glory. 

If  we  say  we  have  no  sin,  we  deceive  our- 
selves, and  the  truth  is  not  in  us ;  but  if  we 
confess  and  forsake  our  sins,  God  is  faithful 
and  just  to  forgive  us,  and  to  cleanse  us  from 
all  iniquity. 

Considering  that  those  who  cover  their  sins 
shall  not  prosper  ;  but  those  who  confess  and 
forsake  them  shall  find  mercy. 


Wherefore  let  us  humble  ourselves  greatly 
before  Almighty  Grod,  giving  glory  to  him 
with  confessions,  supplications,  and  resolu- 
tions of  new  obedience. 

Realizing  our  sins,  we  are  afraid  ;  trem- 
bling taketh  hold  of  our  flesh  ;  our  souls  are 
oppressed  with  heaviness,  and  our  hearts  are 
rent  within  us. 

The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit 
and  a  contrite  heart ;  such  sacrifices,  O  God, 
thou  wilt  not  despise. 

To  us,  O  Lord,  belongeth  confusion  of 
face,  because  we  have  sinned;  but  to  thee 
belong  forgiveness. 

Be  gracious  to  us,  O  our  God  ;  cleanse  us 
from  our  wickedness,  and  blot  out  our  trans- 
gressions, according  to  the  multitude  of  thy 
tender  mercies. 

Surely  it  is  meet  to  be  said  unto  God,  we 
have  borne  chastisement ;  if  we  have  done 
iniquity,  we  will  do  no  more. 

Inspire  us,  O  God,  with  that  godly  sorrow, 
which  worketh  repentance  unto  salvation, 
and  which  shall  express  itself  in  fruits  meet 
for  repentance. 

Cleanse  us  and  we  shall  be  free,  wash  us 
and  we  shall  be  whiter  than  snow  ;  make  us 
to  hear  the  transporting  voice  of  pardoning 
mercy,  that  the  bones,  which  thou  hast  brok- 
en, may  rejoice. 

Give  us  a  right  mind,  O  most  merciful  Fa- 
ther in  heaven,  and  renew  a  right  spirit 
within  us  ;  inspire  us  with  holy  resolutions, 
and  uphold  us  by  thy  free  spirit. 

Then  shall  our  tongues  be  continually  eni- 


28 

ployed  in  celebrating  thy  praises,  and  we 
shall  pass  the  time  of  our  sojourning  on  earth, 
in  joyful  hope  of  thy  mercy  unto  eternal  life. 
May  our  souls  be  sprinkled  with  the  blood 
of  atonement,  and  clothed  with  the  garments 
of  salvation,  that  we  may  finally  come  to  the 
heavenly  Zion  with  songs  of  everlasting  joy 
on  our  heads. 


EXEIl,  IX. 

Expressions  of  fixed  resolutions  to  'praise 
God  on  accoiivt  of  his  perfections  and  pro- 
vidence,  and  of  hope  and  confidence  in  him. 

Mas.  My  heart  is  fixed,  O  God  !  my*  heart 
is  fixed,  I  will  sing  and  give  praise,  for  thy 
mercy  transcends  the  highest  orb  of  heaven, 
and  thy  truth  reacheth  above  the  skies. 

Fam.  Awake,  up  my  glory  ;  awake  all  the 
powers  of  my  soul ;  awake  and  give  thanks 
unto  the  Lord,  and  celebrate  the  praises  of 
his  goodness,  to  which  I  am  indebted  for  life 
and  all  its  blessings. 

O  Lord  our  God,  we  will  extol  and  magni- 
fy  thy  loving  kindness  among  the  people,  and 
will  triumph  in  thy  mercy  ;  for  thou  hast  been 
our  defence  and  refuge  in  trouble  ;  thy  pater- 
nal arm  hath  hitherto  protected  and  supported 
u«,  and  thy  beneficent  hand  supplies  our  daily 
returning  wants. 

We  f^^ill  ascribe  unto  thee  dominion  and 
power,  for  thy  providence  extends  to  the  ends 
of  the  earthy  and  the  whole  family  of  mankind, 


^0 

dispersed  over  the  face  of  the  giobe^  arc  the 
objects  of  thy  paternal  care. 

We  thank  th^e,  O  Grod,  for  all  distinguish, 
ing  instances  of  thy  goodness  and  mercy ; 
may  we  manifest  the  gratitude  of  our  hearts 
by  the  lives  of  conscientious  conformity  to 
thy  holy  will. 

We  beseech  thee  to  hearken  to  our  requests, 
and  give  ear  unto  our  prayer  for  grace  to  help 
in  time  of  need.  For  thou  art  our  hope  and 
our  trust,  and  we  would  secure  ourselves  un- 
der the  wings  of  thine  Almighty  patronage, 
amidst  the  dangers  and  enemies,  with  which 
we  may  be  called  to  encounter,  in  the  prose- 
cution of  our  christian  warfare. 

We  will  always  praise  the  name  of  the 
Lord,  and  daily  perform  our  vows,  and  en- 
couraged by  past  experience,  will  still  wait 
upon  him,  and  seek  his  face  and  favour,  im- 
ploring the  continuation  of  his  merciful  re- 
gards. 

The  Lord  is  our  strength  and  our  glory,  our 
tower  of  refuge  and  the  rock  of  our  salvation. 
We  shall  not  fall  while  sustained  and  sup- 
ported by  his  Almighty  arm. 

If  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against  us? 
For  his  power  is  irresistible,  and  none  eau 
stay  the  operations  of  his  hands. 

Let  us  always  put  our  trust  in  him  ;  pour 
out  our  hearts  before  him;  fear  him  and 
keep  his  commandments,  that  he  may  be  our 
friend  in  time,  and  portion  through  eternity. 

Blessed  are  those  whom  God  is  pleased  to 
bless,  they  shall  inherit  the  earth  ;  though 
they  should  fall,  they  shall  rise  again ;  they 
3 


80 

shall  enjoy  life  and  see  prosperity,  and  entail 
blessings  upon  their  children  and  children's 
children  to  the  latest  generation. 

Let  us  then  put  our  trust  in  God,  and  study 
to  please  and  to  approve  ourselves  to  him, 
that  we  may  dwell  in  the  land,  and  be  pros- 
perous and  happy,  under  the  smiles  of  his 
propitious  providence,  and  transmit  an  in- 
heritance of  blessing  to  posterity. 

God  hath  spoken  to  us,  in  his  works  and 
word,  and  we  have  heard  his  voice,  pro- 
claiming aloud  that  power,  wisdom  and  good- 
ness, are  essential  and  immutable  perfections 
of  his  nature. 

His  omnipotence  and  sovereignty  are  never 
displayed,  but  in  perfect  conformity  to  eternal 
reason  and  rectitude. 

He  is  no  respecter  of  persons,  but  in  every 
nation,  he  that  feareth  him  and  worketh  right- 
eousness shall  be  accepted,  and  he  will  finally 
render  to  every  man  according  to  his  works. 

We  will  therefore  always  adore  his  gov- 
ernment, and  make  it  the  principal  care  of 
our  lives  to  know,  obey  and  submit  to  his 
will ;  then  shall  we  pass  the  remainder  of 
our  days  in  joy  and  serenity,  and,  at  last, 
come  to  the  heavenly  Zion,  with  everlasting 
songs  of  joy  and  triumph  in  our  mouths. 


31 


EXER.  X. 

Good  men  esteem  it  their  highest  felicity  to 
approach  God  in  acts  qficorship^  especiallif 
in  the  services  of  the  sanctuary.  ISuitahle 
for  ISahbath  morning. 

Mas.  O  Lord,  thou  art  our  God,  early  will 
we  seek  thee ;  our  souls  thirsteth,  yea  even 
longeth  for  thee ;  and  thy  favour  commands 
the  most  ardent  desires  of  our  hearts. 

Fam.  While  many  say,  who  will  shew  us 
any  good?  we  would  make  this  our  most 
earnest  prayer,  Lord,  lift  thou  up  the  light  gf 
thy  countenance  upon  us. 

Blessed  is  the  man,  O  Lord,  whom  thou 
choosest  and  causest  to  approach  unto  thee. 
His  soul  shall  be  enriched  with  heavenly 
graces  and  satisfied  with  thy  goodness. 

Give  us,  we  beseech  thee,  the  joy  and  con- 
solation to  behold  thy  power  and  thy  glory  in 
the  sanctuary.  There  would  we  adore  and 
bless  tliee  while  we  live,  and  lift  up  our  hearts 
in  praise  of  thy  great  and  holy  name. 

O  Lord,  we  have  loved  the  habitation  of 
thine  house  and  the  place  where  thine  honour 
dwelleth.  And  we  were  glad  when  they  said 
unto  us,  let  us  go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

How  amiable  are  thy  tabernacles,  O  Lord 
of  hosts  !  A  day  in  thy  courts  is  better  than 
a  thousand. 

Let  us  bring  the  sacrifice  of  praise  into 
the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  there  rehearse  his 
righteous  and  mighty  acts.  In  his  temple, 
let  every  man  speak  of  his  glory. 


ss 

We  will  give  thee  thanks,  O  Lord,  in  the 
great  congregation,  and  will  praise  thee 
among  the  people  ;  for  thou  only  art  worthy 
to  be  celebrated  by  the  supreme  and  united 
adoration  of  angels  and  men. 

We  will  pay  our  homages  and  our  vows 
unto  the  Lord  in  his  sacred  courts,  in  the 
presence  of  all  his  people. 

Let  US  rejoice  in  our  religious  privileges, 
and  with  reverence  and  sacred  awe  wait  upon 
Grcd  in  the  services  of  the  sanctuary,  cheer- 
fully joining  the  assembly  of  saints  in  public 
celebrations  of  his  praises. 

And  when  we  devoutly  approach  to  God,  in 
the  institutions  and  ordinances  of  his  worship, 
may  our  hearts  be  disposed  towards  heaven. 

May  our  religious  exercises  on  earth,  serve 
to  advance  our  preparation  for  the  sublimer 
exercises  of  contemplation  and  devotion,  in 
unison  with  angels  and  arch-angels,  in  the 
world  of  glory  above. 

O  thou  eternal  source  of  being,  intelligence 
and  moral  excellence;  we  would  give  thee 
hearty  thanks  for  that  dignity  and  pre-emi- 
nence of  nature  whereby  we  are  rendered 
capable  of  contemplation  and  devotion,  and 
of  oflfering  to  thee  a  reasonable  and  religious 
service. 

We  will  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  who  teacheth 
us  more  than  the  beasts  of  the  earth,  and 
niaketh  us  wiser  than  the  fowls  of  heaven. 

Let  us  celebrate  his  glorious  perfections, 
displayed  in  the  volume  of  creation  and  prov- 
idence, but  more  clearly  in  the  sacred  pages 
of  revelation. 


33 

Let  us  take  diligent  heed  to  the  instruc- 
tions of  his  word,  and  treasure  them  up  in 
good  and  honest  hearts,  that  we  may  become 
wise  unto  salvation  and  finally  be  made 
partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  ia 
light. 

We  will  wait  upon  God  in  the  ordinances 
of  his  house,  and  there  publish  with  the  voice 
of  thanksgiving  and  praise  his  mighty  acts  ; 
and  make  known  his  wondrous  works  of  love 
and  goodness. 

Blessed  are  they  who  dwell  in  the  house  of 
the  Lord;  that  behold  his  beauty  in  the  sanc- 
tuary ;  that  are  permitted  to  inquire  in  his 
temple,  and  to  celebrate  his  praises  in  the  as- 
sembly of  the  saints. 

V 

They  shall  go  on  from  strength  to  strength, 
and  make  progressive  improvements  in  faith, 
piety  and  holiness,  until  they  are  prepared 
for  the  sublime  pleasures  and  supreme  felici- 
ties of  the  heavenly  Zion. 

Let  us  watch  daily  at  wisdom^s  gates,  and 
wait  at  the  posts  of  her  doors,  that  we  may 
grow  in  the  knowledge  of  Grod  and  Jesus 
Christ  his  son,  whom  to  know  is  life  eternal. 

We  will  bring  the  sacrifices  of  praise  into 
the  house  of  the  Lord  ;  we  will  rehearse  his 
righteous  acts,  and  glorify  him  in  his  temple 
ou  earth,  that  we  may  at  last  be  admitted  to 
the  beatific  vision  of  himself  in  his  temple 
above. 

We  will  pay  our  vows  and  homages   to 

him,  in  the  presence  of  all  his  people.     We 

will  confess  our  sins,  and  make  supplication 

before  him  in  the  sacred  courts  of  his  house. 

3* 


3^ 

Thus  saith  the  Lord,  ye  shall  reverence  my 
sanctuary  ;  I  will  be  sanctified  by  those  who 
enter  my  sacred  courts,  and  before  all  the 
people  1  will  be  glorified. 

Blessed  is  the  man,  O  Lord,  whom  thou 
choosest  and  causest  to  approach  unto  thee  ; 
he  shall  be  satisfied  with  thy  goodness,  and 
pass  the  time  of  his  sojourning  on  earth  in 
joy  and  tranquility. 

The  light  of  thy  countenance  shall  beam 
perpetual  day  upon  his  soul,  and  aflTord  him 
joys  and  pleasures  superior  to  the  highest 
worldly  fruitions. 

Thou  wilt  guide  his  feet  into  the  path  of 
the  just,  which,  like  the  dawning  light,  in- 
creaseth  gradually  in  lustre  to  the  perfect 
day. 

Kefreshing  foretastes  of  the  pleasures  of  a 
celestial  paradise  will  be  his  consolation  and 
solace  during  his  present  pilgrimage,  and 
when  he  enters  the  eternal  world,  his  soul 
will  be  enraptured  with  tlie  joys  of  his  Lord. 


EXER.  XL 

The  majesty,  power  and  beneficent  provi- 
dence  of  God^  displayed  in  the  phenomena 
and  operations  of  nature 

Mas.  Praise  the  Lord,  O  our  souls ;  O 
Lord  our  God,  thou  art  exceeding  glorious  ; 
thou  coverest  thyself  with  light,  as  with  a 
garment,  and  art  clothed  with  majesty  and 
honour. 


35 

Fam.  The  heavens  and  the  earth  exhibit 
astonishiug  displays  of  thy  power,  wisdom 
and  goodness,  and  conspire  to  excite  adoring 
admiration,  and  to  fill  our  souls  with  devo- 
tion. 

Who  is  like  unto  the  Lord  our  God,  who 
doth  whatsoever  he  pleaseth,  in  heaven  and 
on  earth,  in  the  seas,  and  in  all  deep  places? 

The  sun,  the  moon  and  the  stars  hath  he 
divided  unto  all  the  nations,  that  dwell  upon 
the  face  of  the  whole  earth. 

All  the  elements  are  turned  about  by  his 
counsels,  that  they  may  do  whatsoever  he 
commandeth  them,  in  the  execution  of  his 
purposes  of  correction  or  mercy. 

He  commandeth  the^un,  and  it  riseth  not, 
and  he  sealeth  up  the  stars.  He  turneth  the 
shadow  of  death  into  the  morning,  and  mak- 
eth  the  day  dark  with  night. 

He  looketh  on  the  earth  and  it  trembleth  ; 
he  toucheth  the  hills  and  they  smoke. 

He  ruleth  the  raging  of  the  sea  ;  when  the 
waves  thereof  arise,  he  stilleth  them,  and 
setteth  a  bound  that  they  may  not  pass  over. 

God  thundereth  marvellously  with  his 
voice;  he  directeth  the  sound  of  it  under  the 
whole  heaven,  and  his  lightnings  unto  the 
ends  of  the  earth. 

The  God  of  glory  thundereth  upon  many 
waters  ;  his  voice  is  powerful  and  full  of  ma- 
jesty ;  it  breaketh  the  cedars,  even  the  cedars 
of  Lebanon. 

He  causeth  the  vapours  to  ascend  ;  he  mak- 
eth  lightnings  with  rain,  and  bringeth  forth 
the  wind  out  of  his  treasures. 


36 

By  the  breath  of  God  frost  is  giveu^  and  the 
breadth  of  the  waters  is  straitened;  he  saith 
to  the  snow,  be  thou  on  the  earth,  and  casteth 
forth  his  ice  like  morsels. 

He  also  blesseth  the  springing  of  the  earth, 
and  reneweth  the  face  of  nature  in  the  season 
thereof;  so  that  the  pastures  are  clothed  with 
flocks,  and  the  valleys  covered  with  corn. 

He  causeth  the  grass  to  grow  for  the  cattle, 
and  herb  for  the  service  of  man,  and  crown- 
eth  the  year  with  his  goodness, 

O  Almighty  Sovereign,  may  we  stand  in 
awe  of  thy  glorious  majesty,  and  may  these 
instances  of  thy  power  and  beneficence  in  the 
order  and  operations  of  nature,  inspire  us 
with  a  religious  veneration  of  thy  universal 
all- disposing  providence,  and  teach  us  always 
to  put  our  trust  in  thee,  and  refer  ourselves 
to  thy  care  and  blessing, 

O  thou  cause  of  all  causes,  throughout  the 
whole  system  of  nature,  and  Supreme  His- 
poser  of  events,  we  would  acknowledge  thee 
in  all  our  ways,  beseeching  thee  for  thy 
mercy's  sake,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
to  be  our  present  guardian  and  friend,  and 
our  final  and  eternal  portion.         •Amen. 


EXER.  XII. 

The  mind  relieved^  in  the  view  of  present 
promiscuous  providences^  by  the  prospect 
of  future  retributions. 

Mas.  O   Thou    Judge   of  all   the    earth, 
persuaded  that  thy  will  is  perfect  rectitude, 


37 

we  would  bow  with  reverent  submission  af 
Ihy  sacred  footstool,  and  adore  the  dispensa- 
tions of  thy  righteous  providence. 

Fam.  Righteous  is  the  Lord,  and  upright 
are  his  judgments  ;  for  the  work  of  a  man 
shall  he  render  unto  him,  and  cause  every 
man  to  find  according  to  his  ways. 

The  Lord  is  of  purer  eyes  than  to  behold 
evil^  and  cannot  look  on  iniquity  ;  wherefore 
then  doth  the  wicked  prosper,  and  oppress 
the  man  that  is  more  righteous  than  himself? 

When  we  consider  this,  doubts  arise,  and 
we  are  almost  ready  to  say,  verily  we  have 
cleansed  our  hearts  in  vain^  and  washed  our 
hands  in  innocency. 

But  when  we  go  into  the  sanctuary  of  the 
Lord,  this  difficulty  is  removed  ;  for  there 
we  learn  the  future  state  of  the  wicked  ;  that 
the  displeasure  of  the  Almighty  will  finally 
overtake  them. 

Though  a  sinner  do  often  transgress,  and 
his  days  be  prolonged  ;  yet  surely  we  know 
that  it  shall  be  well  with  them  who  fear  God^ 
but  not  with  those  who  disregard  him. 

Though  there  be  often  one  event  to  the 
righteous  and  to  the  wicked  ;  yet  behold  the 
day  Cometh,  when  we  shall  discern  between 
him  who  serveth  God,  and  him  who  serveth 
him  not ;  for  verily  there  is  a  reward  for  the 
righteous  ;  verily  there  is  a  God  who  judgeth 
in  the  earth. 

God  hath  appointed  a  day  in  which  he  will 
judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  and  render 
to  every  one  according  to  his  works. 
May   we   rest  in  the    Lord;  and  wait   pa- 


38 

tiently  for  bim  ;  be  not  discouraged  because 
of  hinij  who  prospereth  in  his  way,  or  the 
man  who  bringeth  wicked  devices  to  pass. 

For  evil  doers  will  finally  be  cut  dow^n  like 
the  grass,  and  wither  as  the  green  herb  ;  but 
those  who  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall  inherit 
the  earth,  and  be  glad  in  his  salvation. 

Though  clouds  and  darkness  sometimes 
surround  his  throne,  yet  persuaded  of  the 
justice  and  rectitude  of  his  government,  we 
will  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  his  dispensations, 
and  adore  the  wisdom  and  benevolence  of  his 
administrations,  amidst  all  the  intricacies  of 
providence. 

Shall  mortal  man  be  more  just  than  God  ? 
Is  not  my  way  equal,  saith  the  Lord  ?  Are 
not  your  ways  unequal  ?  Maa  was  not  made 
to  question,  but  adore. 

If  smiling  mercy  crown  our  lives,  we  will 
gratefully  celebrate  the  divine  goodness  ;  and 
should  adversity  be  our  lot,  we  will  repress 
every  murmuring  thought,  and  adore  the  di- 
vine  justice. 

Whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chasteneth,  and 
causeth  all  things  to  work  together  for  good 
to  those  who  love  him. 

May  the  Most  High  impart  his  grace  to 
enable  us  to  comply  with  the  methods  of  his 
discipline  tow.vds  us,  in  this  world,  that 
mercies  and  afflictions  may  conspire  to  pro- 
mote our  preparation  for  glory,  honour  and 
immortality,  in  the  world  to  come. 

And  when  the  present  chequered  scene  of 
mortal  things  shall  close  upon  us,  may  the 
great  governor  of  futurity  admit  us  into  bis 


39 

heavenly  paradise,  where  there  are  pleasures 
to  be  enjoyed,  pure  and  perfect,  unmixed  and 
uninterrupted,  adequate  to  the  capacities  and 
commensurate  with  the  existence  of  our  im- 
mortal spirits. 


EXER.  XIII. 

Penetential  confession  of  sins  with  hiimhle 
2)rayery  prompted  by  encouraging  hopes  of 
the  mercy  of  God  unto  eternal  life. 

Mas.  Behold,  O  Lord,  we  are  vile  ;  what 
shall  we  say  unto  thee,  who  art  of  purer  eyes 
than  to  behold  evil,  and  canst  not  look  on  in- 
iquity. 

Fam.  If  thou,  Lord,  shouldst  mark  iniqui- 
ty,  O  Lord,  who  shall  stand  ?  But  there  is  for- 
giveness with  thee. 

We  will  acknowledge  our  sins  unto  the 
Lord,  and  our  iniquity  we  deprecate ;  con- 
fessing our  transgressions,  and  imploring  his 
pardoning  mercy,  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 

Reflecting  on  our  past  offences  and  ingrati- 
tude, confusion  taketh  hold  on  our  spirits, 
that  causeth  us  to  be  ashamed  of  ourselves. 

Let  us  with  profound  humility  bow  before 
God  and  give  glory  to  him,  and  make  confes- 
sion, with  deep  contrition  and  hearty  sorrow. 

The  sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit ; 
a  broken  and  a  contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou 
wilt  not  despise. 

It  behoves  us,  with  penitence,  to  lay  our 
hands  on  our  mouths,  and  our  mouths  in  the 
dust,  crying  unclean  ;  and  to  resolve,  for  the 


40 

future,  to  cleanse  our  ways,  by  taking  heed 
thereto,  according  to  God's  holy  word. 

We  will  arise  and  go  to  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther,  and  will  say  unto  him,  Father,  we  have 
sinned  and  done  evil  in  thy  sight,  and  have 
forfeited  the  character  of  dutiful  children  ; 
we  beseech  thee  to  pardon  our  iniquities,  for 
they  are  great. 

Who  can  understand  his  errors?  Cleanse 
thou  us,  O  Lord,  from  secret  faults  ;  keep  us 
also  from  presumptuous  sins ;  let  them  not 
have  dominion  over  us. 

Search  us.  O  God,  and  know  our  hearts  ; 
try  us,  and    know  our  thoughts  ;  and  see  if 
there  be  any  wicked  way  in  us,  and  lead  us 
in  the  way  everlasting, 

O  thou  Universal  Parent  and  Friend  of 
mankind,  have  mercy  on  us,  we  beseech  thee, 
and  grant  us  redemption  through  the  blood  of 
Jesus,  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  according  to 
the  riches  of  thy  grace. 

Blessed  is  the  man,  whose  transgression  is 
forgiven ;  whose  sin  is  covered,  and  unto 
whom  the  Lord  imputeth  not  iniquity. 

Happy,  in  the  assurance  which  the  gospel 
gives  of  pardon,  on  repentance,  let  us  labour 
to  subdue  each  irregular  inclination  and  appe- 
tite, to  pluck  up  every  vicious  habit,  and  to 
acquire  that  holy  character,  which  is  a  neces- 
sary preparation  for  the  inheritance  of  the 
saints  in  light. 

Rejoicing  in  the  glorious  prospect  opened 
before  us  into  futurity,  ty  the  revelation  of 
Jesus  Christ,  let  us  cast  off  the  works  of 
darkness,  and  put  on  the  armour  of  light. 


41 

Anticipating  the  final  Euge  of  our  Lord, 
may  our  path  be  that  of  the  just,  which,  as 
the  dawning  light,  increaseth  gradually  in 
lustre  to  the  perfect  day. 

We  will  be  steadfast  and  immoveable,  al- 
ways abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
forasmuch  as  we  know  that  our  labour  shall 
not  be  in  vain  in  the  Lord. 


EXER.    XIV. 

Rejoicing  in  the  Lord  as  a  being  of  trans- 
cendent excellence^  whose  kind  'providence 
watches  over  us  continually  for  goodj  and 
fills  our  hearts  with  delight  and  gladness. 

Mas.  Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  O  ye  right- 
eous, for  he  is  good,  and  his  mercy  endureth 
forever. 

Fam.  Blessed  be  the  Lord  our  God,  who 
is  continually  loading  us  with  his  benefits, 
whose  providence  sustains  us  from  day  to 
day,  and  whose  unwearied  munificence  sup* 
plies  our  daily  returning  wants. 

Let  us  esteem  it  the  noblest  employment 
of  our  rational  powers  and  faculties,  to  cele» 
brate  the  praises  of  the  universal  Parent  of 
good,  the  Former  of  our  bodies,  the  Father  of 
our  spirits,  and  Preserver  of  our  lives. 

The  transcendent  excellencies  of  his  na- 
ture demand  our  sublimest  praise,  and  render 
him,  at  once,  the  object  of  the  devout  admi- 
ration and  delightful  contemplation  of  all  holy 
intelligences  throughout  the  whole  system  of 
the  creation. 

4 


43 

Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God,  let  all 
the  people  praise  thee  ;  for  thou  art  infinite  in 
every  perfection,  and  all  nations,  before  thee, 
are  as  a  drop  of  the  bucket. 

The  Lord  hath  done  great  things  for  us, 
whereof  we  are  glad ;  by  his  providence  the 
lines  are  fallen  to  us^in  a  land  of  light  and  val- 
ley of  vision,  and  we  have  a  goodly  heritage. 

Amidst  a  profusion  of  distinguishing  bless- 
ings, both  civil  and  religious,  he  presideth  over 
the  vicissitudes  of  the  seasons,  and  crowneth 
each  revolving  year  with  his  benediction, 
filling  our  hearts  with  food  and  gladness. 

He  chargeth  his  guardian  providence  with 
the  care  of  us,  both  in  the  busy  scenes  of  the 
day,  and  silent  watches  of  the  night,  and 
causeth  the  voice  of  health  and  prosperity  to 
resound  in  our  habitations. 

The  blessings  of  his  goodness  alleviate  the 
cares  and  assuage  the  sorrows  unavoidably 
incident  to  this  state  of  mortality* 

The  promises  of  his  grace  do  also  animate 
our  souls  with  the  liveliest  hopes  of  brighter 
scenes,  beyond  these  sublunary  climes. 

May  the  incense  of  praise,  therefore,  ever 
ascend  from  the  altar  of  our  grateful  hearts,  in 
devout  ascriptions  to  the  benevolent  Author 
of  our  being  and  enjoyments. 

We  will  still  put  our  trust  in  the  Lord, 
who  is  the  confidence  of  all  the  ends  of  the 
earth,  and  of  them  who  are  afar  off  upon 
the  sea. 

The  Lord  is  our  portion,  therefore  will  we 
hope  in  him.  He  is  our  strong  habitation, 
whereunto  we  may  continually  resort. 


43 

Our  souls  wait  thou  upon  God  ;  cast  our 
cares  upon  him,  and  be  of  good  courage,  and 
he  will  strengthen  our  hearts^  and  visit  us 
with  salvation. 

In  all  our  ways  acknowledge  God,  and  he 
will  direct  our  paths.  Commit  our  works  unto 
him,  and  our  thoughts  will  be  established. 

Be  not  anxious  for  our  lives,  saying,  what 
shall  we  eat  ?  or,  what  shall  we  drink  ?  or, 
wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed  ?  For  our 
heavenly  Father  knoweth  that  we  have  need 
of  these  things,  and  bath  promised  to  bestow 
them  on  those  who  seek  first  the  kingdom  of 
God  and  his  righteousness. 


EXER.  XV. 

The  goodness  of  God,  especially  towards  the 
righteous,  affording  them  protection  and 
support,  and  showering  down  upon  them 
blessings  innumerable. 

Mas.  Truly  God  is  good  to  Israel  ;  his 
mercy  is  everlasting  ;  and  his  truth  endureth 
to  all  generations. 

Fam.  Know  ye,  that  the  Lord  he  is 
God  ;  it  is  he  who  made  us,  and  not  we  our- 
selves :  We  are  his  people  and  the  sheep  of 
his  pasture. 

He  ordereth  our  circumstances  in  life  ;  he 
maketh  poor  and  maketh  rich  ;  and  dispense 
eth  blessings  or  calamities  among  the  children 
of  men,  as  his  infinite  wisdom  sees  fit. 

His  ears  are  always  open  to  the  cries  of  the 
needy  and   distressed  ;  he  redeemeth  their 


44 

souls  from  affliction  and  death^  and  is  a  very 
present  help  in  trouble. 

From  the  inexhaustible  stores  of  his  good- 
ness  he  supplies  his  heritage  with  the  richest 
blessings,  and  causeth  them  to  rejoiee  in  his 
munificence. 

He  looketh,  especially,  with  a  propitious 
eye,  upon  those  who  fear  him,  and  walk  in 
the  ways  of  faith  and  piety,  and  embraceth 
them  in  the  arms  of  peculiar  friendship. 

They  shall  live  in  honour  and  reputation  ; 
their  memories  shall  be  blessed  ;  and  their 
virtues  and  worthy  actions  command  the  ap- 
plause of  many  generations. 

They  shall  dwell  in  the  secret  place  of 
the  Most  High,  and  abide  under  the  shadow 
of  the  Almighty,  secure  from  harm,  amidst 
the  pestilence  that  walketh  in  darkness, 
and  the  arrows  of  destruction  that  fly  at  noon 
day. 

The  Lord  will  be  their  refuge  and  fortress, 
in  all  times  of  danger,  and  make  them  safe 
under  the  wings  of  his  protection  amidst  those 
wars  and  fightings,  that  spread  desolation 
and  death  among  the  nations. 

For  the  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  those  who 
fear  him,  and  such  as  are  upright  in  their  way 
ai'e  his  delight ;  and  no  good  thing  will  he 
withhold  from  them. 

He  will  satisfy  them  with  life,  crown  them 
with  prosperity,  and  shower  down  salvation 
upon  them,  in  a  constant  flow  of  blessings, 
pertaining  to  time  and  eternity. 

When  they  call  upon  him,  he  will  answer 
them,  will  set  them  on  high,  and  be    their 


45 

portion  and  refuge,  because  they  know  his 
name  and  obey  his  commands. 

All  his  paths  are  mercy  and  truth  unto 
those  who  keep  his  covenant.  He  will  open 
to  them  his  good  treasure,  and  compass  them 
with  favour  as  with  a  shield. 


KXER.    XVI. 

Celebrating  the  unrivalled  majesty  and  glory 
of  God,  with  expressions  of  joy  and  conji- 
dence  in  him. 

Mas.  O  Thou  Supreme,  Eternal,  Self- 
existent  God,  we  would  bow  with  humble 
adoration  at  the  footstool  of  thy  throne,  esteem- 
ing it  the  noblest  employment  of  our  rational 
faculties  to  celebrate  thy  praise. 

Fam.  Who  is  like  unto  the  Lord,  our 
God,  who  is  like  unto  him,  glorious  in  holi- 
ness, venerable  in  praises,  doing  wonders. 

He  is  seated  on  a  throne  of  glory  in  the 
heavens,  far  exalted  above  all  comprehensions 
and  comparisons  :  The  whole  creation  is  as 
nothing  before  him. 

Who  in  the  heavens  can  be  compared  unto 
the  Lord  ?  Who  among  the  sons  of  the  mighty 
can  be  likened  unto  our  God. 

The  Lord  our  God  is  great ;  there  is  none 
like  unto  him,  neither  are  there  any  works 
like  unto  his  works. 

Though  there  be  that  are  called  gods> 
whether  in  heaven  or  on  earth,  yet  to  us  there 
is  but  one  God,  of  whom  are  all  things^  and 
4* 


46 

by  whose  almighty  providence  the  world  is 
sustained  and  governed. 

The  idols  of  the  heathen,  though  worship- 
ped as  gods,  are  vanity  and  a  lie ;  they  can- 
not do  evil,  neither  is  it  in  them  to  do  good. 

But  to  the  Lord  our  God  belongs  everlast- 
ing strength  ;  his  dominion  is  universal,  and 
all  the  powers  of  nature,  as  they  were  deriv- 
ed from  him,  so  they  owe  their  efficacy  to  his 
all-sustaining  arm. 

The  heavens  and  the  earth  exhibit  bright 
evidences  of  his  being,  perfections,  and  active 
all-disposing  providence. 

We  will  therefore  acknowledge  him  in  all 
our  ways,  and  in  all  our  affairs  and  concerns, 
wall  raise  our  souls  above  means  and  instru- 
ments, in  devout  adorations  to  the  great  First 
Cause,  who  alone  is  uncaused. 

We  will  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  who,  though 
he  liveth  upon  the  inexhaustible  stock  of  his 
own  perfections,  and  standeth  in  no  need  of 
the  homage  and  service  of  angels  or  men,  yet 
condescendeth  to  visit  our  abodes  with  his 
loving  kindness  and  tender  mercies. 

We  will  worship  the  Lord,  who,  though  he 
can  receive  no  benefit  from  our  devotions, 
hath,  for  the  promotion  of  our  own  best  inter- 
est, invited  and  encouraged,  yea,  command- 
ed us,  by  prayer  and  supplication  together 
with  thanksgiving,  to  make  our  requests  td 
him. 

Our  souls,  therefore,  wait  upon  God,  for 
our  expectation  is  from  him.  Commit  our 
way  unto  him,  and  trust  in  him,  and  he  shall 
bring  it  to  pass. 


47 

The  Lord  is  our  portion,  therefore  we  will 
hope  ia  him.  He  is  our  strong  habitation, 
whereunto  we  may  continually  resort. 

He  whose  heart  is  fixed,  trusting  in  the 
Lord,  shall  be  as  Mount  Zion.  In  quietness 
and  confidence  shall  be  his  strength  ;  and  be* 
cause  the  Lord  is  at  his  right  hand,  he  shall 
not  be  moved. 

By  patient  continuance  in  well  doing,  let 
us  endeavour  to  approve  ourselves  unto  God, 
our  Creator  and  Preserver ;  then  will  he  be 
our  friendly  guide  and  support  through  life, 
and  finally  crown  us  with  the  rewards  of 
good  and  faithful  servants. 


EXER.  xvn. 

Faith  in  God^  and  Ids  Son  Jesus  Christy  and 
the  ivay  to  increase  and  strengthen  it. 

Mas.  Let  us  draw  near  unto  God  with  a 
true  heart,  in  full  assurance  of  faith,  casting 
all  our  cares  upon  him,  that  we  may  obtain 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need. 

Fam.  For  he,  who  cometh  unto  God,  must 
believe  that  he  is  ;  and  that  he  is  a  rewarder 
of  them  that  diligently  seek  him. 

And  this  is  his  commandment,  that  we  be- 
lieve on  the  name  of  his  tSon  Jesus  Christ, 
who  himself  hath  also  said  unto  us,  ye  believe 
in  God,  believe  also  in  me. 

Believe  in  the  Lord  your  God,  so  shall  ye 
be  established  ;  believe  his  prophets,  so  shall 
ye  prosper;  believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
and  ye  shall  be  saved. 


48 

Let  us  hold  fast  the  profession  of  our  faith 
without  wavering,  and  always  be  upon  our 
guard  against  the  snares  of  infidelity  and  the 
insidious  arts  of  the  advocates  of  impiety  and 
wickedness. 

We  will  take  heed,  lest  there  be  in  any  of 
us  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief,  inclining  us  to 
depart  from  the  living  God,  and  to  cast  off 
his  laws. 

We  will  wait  upon  him  in  the  ordinances 
of  his  house,  watching  daily  at  wisdom's 
gates,  and  waiting  at  the  posts  of  her  doors. 

We  will  attend  to  the  glorious  light  of  the 
gospel,  as  to  a  light  shining  in  a  dark  place, 
giving  us  clear  information  respecting  the 
way  to  eternal  life  and  salvation. 

This  is  the  condemnation,  that  light  has 
come  into  the  world,  and  men  have  loved 
darkness  rather  than  light,  because  their 
deeds  were  evil. 

Let  us  walk  as  children  of  the  light  and  of 
the  day,  that  we  may  not  fall  under  this  con- 
demnation. 

Faith  Cometh  by  hearing,  and  hearing  by 
the  word  of  God  ;  but  the  word  preached 
doth  not  profit,  if  it  be  not  mixed  with  faith 
in  those  who  hear  it. 

A  man  is  justified  by  faith  ;  but  the  faith 
that  justifies,  works  by  love,  and  is  made 
perfect  by  works. 

Let  us  remember,  that  as  the  body  without 
the  spirit  is  dead,  so  faith  without  works  is 
dead  also. 

Let  us,  therefore,  add  to  our  faith  the 
graceis  and  virtues  of  a  christian  life ;  for  if, 


49 

while  we  seek  to  be  justified  by  faith,  we  are 
found  unreformed  sinners^  our  faith  cannot 
save  us. 

Let  us  always  bear  in  mind  the  following 
declaration  of  our  blessed  Lord,  ^^  Whosoever 
shall  confess  me  before  men,  him  will  I  con- 
fess  also  before  my  Father  who  is  in  heaven  ; 
but  whosoever  shall  deny  me  before  men, 
him  will  I  also  deny  before  my  Father,  who 
is  in  heaven/^ 

Lord,  we  believe  ;  help  thou  our  unbelief, 
and  increase  our  faith  ;  that  we  may  be  of 
the  mumber  of  those,  that  believe  unto  right- 
eousness  and  salvation. 


EXER.    XVIIL 

The  brevity  of  human  life^  the  certainty  of 
deaths  and  assurance  of  a  resurrection ^ 
adapted  to  occasions  of  mortality. 

Mas.  Behold,  O  Lord,  thou  hast  made 
our  days  an  hand-breadth,  and  our  age  is  as 
nothing  before  thee  ;  and  every  man  at  his 
best  estate  is  altogether  vanity. 

Fam.  Here  we  have  no  continuing  city,  but 
are  strangers  and  sojourners  before  the  Lord. 
For  what  is  our  life?  It  is  evtn  a  vapour 
that  appeareth  for  a  moment,  and  then  van- 
isheth  away. 

Upon  the  wings  of  each  revolving  day,  tlie 
important  hour  is  approaching  with  swiftest 
speed,  when  our  own  experience  will  teach 
us  the  full  import  of  that  judicial  sentence, 
Dust  thou  art^  and  unto  dust  thou  shalt  return. 


50 

What  man  is  he  that  liveth  aad  shall  not 
see  death?  And  who  shall  deliver  his  soul 
from  the  hand  of  the  grave  ? 

There  is  no  man  that  hath  power  over  the 
spirit  to  retain  the  spirit  in  the  day  of  death  ; 
and  there  is  no  discharge  in  that  war. 

The  days  of  man  are  determined;  the  num- 
ber of  his  months  is  with  the  Lord ;  he  hath 
appointed  his  bounds,  that  he  cannot  pass. 

Let  us  rejoice  in  the  revelation  of  Jesus 
Christ,  which  gives  us  assurance,  of  a  resur- 
rection from  the  dead,  and  opens  to  view  glo- 
rious prospects  into  futurity. 

Blessed  be  God,  that  as  by  man  came  death, 
by  man  also  came  the  resurrection  of  the 
dead  ;  that  as  in  Adam  all  die^  even  so  in 
Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive. 

Under  the  apprehensions  of  mortality  and 
the  approaching  period  of  all  sublunary  joys, 
let  us  solace  our  spirits  by  contemplations  on 
that  life  and  immortality,  which  the  gospel 
bath  brought  to  light. 

We  will  rejoice  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
who  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life ;  for  he 
hath  abolished  death,  and  will  ransom  us 
from  the  power  of  the  grave  ;  and  because  he 
lives,  we  shall  ?ive  also. 

When  he  shall  descend  from  heaven,  with 
power  and  great  glory,  to  judge  the  world  in 
righteousness,  then  all  that  are  in  their  graves 
shall  come  forth,  and  he  will  gather  the  right- 
eous of  all  nations  from  the  four  winds^  from 
the  uttermost  part  of  the  earth  to  the  utter- 
most part  of  heaven. 

At  that  day  the  Lord  Jesus   Christ  shall 


51 

change  our  vile  body,  that  it  may  be  fashion* 
ed  like  unto  his  glorious  body.  It  is  sown  in 
corruption,  dishonour  and  weakness,  but  it 
shall  be  raised  in  ineorruption,  glory  and 
power. 

It  is  sown  a  natural  body,  but  it  shall  be 
raised  a  spiritual  body ;  and  as  we  have  borne 
the  image  of  the  first  man,  who  was  of  the 
earth  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of 
the  second  man,  who  is  the  Lord  from  heaven. 

Neither  shall  we  die  any  more,  for  we  shall 
be  like  the  angels  of  God  in  heaven,  and  with 
them  be  wrapt  in  the  embraces  of  a  glorious 
immortality. 

Supported  by  this  blessed  hope,  animated 
by  these  reviving  prospects,  let  us  be  stead- 
fast  and  immoveable,  always  abounding  in 
the  works  of  the  Lord. 

Then  shall  we  have  joy  in  believing,  and 
in  the  near  view  of  death,  be  able  to  triumph, 
and  say,  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  !  O 
grave,  where  is  thy  victory !  Thanks  be  to 
trod,  who  hath  given  us  the  victory,  through 
Jesus  Christ. 


EXER.   XIX. 

The  amazing  condescension  of  God  display- 

ed  in  his  goodness  to   men,  especially  in 

the  blessings  of  the  new  covenant. 

Mas,  O  Thou  incomprehensible  Jehovah, 

whose  infinite    perfections  are  inscribed   in 

signatures  indelible,  upon  every  part  of  the 

stupendous  fabric   of  the  world ;  when   we 


52 

reflect  upon  our  own  meanness  and  unworthi- 
ness,  we  blush  and  are  ashamed  to  lift  up 
our  faces  towards  heaven. 

jpam.  Thou  humblest  thyself  to  take  notice 
of  the  exalted  services  of  the  heavenly  hosts  ; 
thy  glory  dazzles  the  light  of  the  sun  ;  thou 
lookest  to  the  moon^  and  it  shineth  not^  and 
the  stars  are  not  pure  in  thy  sight. 

What  is  man  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him  ? 
or  the  sons  of  men,  who  have  their  foundation 
in  the  dust,  and  dwell  in  houses  of  clay,  that 
thou  visitest  them? 

Cloathed  with  light  as  with  a  garment,  thou 
appearest  in  the  heavens  in  the  brightest  efful- 
geuce  of  infinite  excellence  and  perfection, 
amidst  angels  and  arch-angels,  and  thousands 
of  holy  and  happy  intelligences,  who  are  con- 
tinually celebrating  Jhy  praises,  in  the  most 
exalted  strains  of  sacred  devotion. 

We  rejoice,  that  though  we  cannot  attain 
to  the  exalted  strains  of  the  heavenly  hosts  in 
their  devotions,  yet  we  are  permitted  to  join 
our  sincere  though  fainter  voices,  and  bear  a 
part  in  the  celestial  harmony. 

With  devout  admiration  we  would  adore 
the  condescension  of  the  great  Sovereign  of 
the  universe,  in  stooping  from  his  throne  of 
glory  in  the  heavens,  to  bestow  his  compas- 
sionate regards  upon  us,  vile  dust  and  ashes, 
who  reside  on  his  footstool  here  below. 

We  will  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  who.  notwith- 
standing our  own  insignificance,  graciously 
vouchsafes  to  visit  our  abodes  with  his  loving 
kindnesses  and  tender  mercies. 

Blessed  be  Grod,  who  hath  not  only  given 


53 

us  being,  but  also  provided  for  our  well 
being,  both  in  this  world,  and  that  which  is  to 
come.  Let  us  therefore  praise  his  holy  name 
forever. 

May  w«  always  feel  our  obligations  to  the 
source  of  all  being  and  happiness ;  the  Former 
of  our  bodies,  and  the  Father  of  our  spirits, 
and  the  Preserver  of  our  lives,  who  is  daily 
showering  down  upon  us  a  rich  variety  of 
blessings  calculated  to  promote  the  joys  of 
life- 
Let  us  especially  render  him  our  most 
hearty  thanks,  that  be  hath  been  pleased,  in 
the  riches  of  his  grace,  through  the  mediation 
of  his  only  begotten  Son,  our  blessed  Lord 
and  Saviour,  to  make  provision  for  our  de- 
liverance from  guilt  and  condemnation,  and 
advancement  to  the  supreme  and  everlasting 
felicity  in  the  world  of  glory. 

Let  us  give  glory  to  God  in  the  highest  for 
the  blessings  of  the  new  covenant,  revealed 
and  offered  to  us  in  the  gospel. 

Blessed  are  they  who  hear  the  joyful 
sound  of  the  gospel,  and  are  made  acquainted 
with  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation  through  a 
lledeemer. 

The  glorious  prospects  opened  before  them 
into  futurity,  are  calculated  to  alleviate  the 
cares,  and  assuage  the  sorrows  inseparable 
from  this  state  of  mortality. 

Rejoicing  in  the  rock  of  our  salvation,  let 
us  alvva^  .  endeavour  to  make  suitable  returns 
of  gra^'t  fl^^  nd  obedience,  for  all  the  wonders 
of  love  uiid  goodness,  displayed  in  the  glori- 
ous work  of  man^s  redemption. 
5 


5* 


Actuated  by  that  faith  which  is  the  sub 
stance  of  things  hoped  for,  and  the  evidence 
of  things  not  seen,  let  us  live  up  to  our  glori- 
ous privileges  and  sublime  hopes. 

Thus  shall  we  best  promote  the  designs  of 
divine  grace  and  mercy  towards  us,  until, 
being  fitted  and  prepared  therefor,  we  shall 
be  admitted  into  the  blissful  mansions  of  the 
skies,  where  we  shall  be  infinitely  more 
happy,  than  it  is  possible  to  be,  in  the  best 
condition  on  earth. 


EXER.  XX. 

The  wonderful  displays  of  the  perfections 
and  providence  of  God^  conspicuous  in  the 
heavens  and  earthy  and  the  necessity  of  sin- 
cerity to  make  our  prayers  acceptable. 

Mas.  Praise  ye  the  Lord,  for  he  is  great ; 
his  power  is  irresistible  ;  his  wisdom  is  in- 
finite ;  and  his  mercy,  boundless  as  immen- 
sity, endureth  forever. 

Fam.  His  throne  is  exalted  above  the 
heavens,  and  the  earth  is  his  footstool,  and  he 
has  an  unalienable  right  to  the  supreme  wor- 
ship and  adoration  of  all  intelligent  creatures. 

Universal  nature,  through  all  her  works, 
exhibits  irresistible  evidence  of  the  suprema- 
cy, glorious  majesty,  and  transcendent  wis- 
dom and  goodness  of  the  everlasting  Jehovah. 

He  rideth  in  his  excellency  on  the  skies, 
presideth  over  the  vicissitudes  of  the  seasons, 
and  regulateth  the  wheels  of  each  revolving 
year. 


5S' 

The  ordinances  of  heaven  are  subject  to 
his  control,  and  the  stars  in  their  courses  are 
the  ministers  of  his  providence. 

He  sendeth  forth  his  commandment,  his 
word  runneth  swiftly  ;  he  giveth  snow  like 
wool,  scattereth  the  hoar  frost  like  ashes,  and 
casteth  forth  his  ice  like  morsels. 

Again  he  sendeth  out  his  word  and  melteth 
them  ;  he  dissoiveth  the  frost  with  warm 
gales  of  the  south,  and  the  waters  flow  and 
swell  the  rivers. 

He  unbindeth  the  sweet  influences  of  Pleia- 
des, and  looseth  the  bonds  of  Orion. 

The  tempest  is  his  breath  ;  the  thunder 
hurled  tremendous,  shakes  the  wilderness  ; 
the  mountains  tremble,  and  atheists  stand 
aghast. 

God  thundereth  marvellously  with  his 
voice  ;  he  directeth  the  sound  of  it  under  the 
whole  heaven,  and  his  lightnings  unto  the 
ends  of  the  earth. 

He  causeth  the  vapours  to  ascend  ;  cover- 
etli  the  heavens  with  clouds  ;  prepareth  rain 
for  the  earth;  and  maketh  grass  to  grow  upon 
the  mountains. 

By  his  providence  the  pastures  are  clothed 
with  flocks,  and  the  vallies  covered  with 
corn  ;  they  shout  for  joy,  they  also  sing. 

He  crowneth  the  year  with  his  goodness, 
and  his  paths  drop  marrow  and  fatness. 

We  will  celebrate  the  praises  of  his  power 
and  goodness,  displayed  in  the  heavens  and 
earth,  through  each  revolving  year,  and  will 
gratefully  recognize  his  marvellous  loving 
kindness  to  the  children  of  men. 


Blessed  be  the  universal  parent  and  friend 
of  mankind,  for  those  innumerable  blessings 
unmerited,  freely  bestowed,  which  he  is  con- 
tinually showering  down  upon  us. 

Let  us  make  it  our  constant  devout  inquiry, 
%vhat  we  shall  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  his 
benefits  ;  and  endeavour  in  all  our  ways  to 
please  him,  that  we  may  still  be  happy  in  his 
favour,  and  always  rejoice  in  his  salvation. 

Therefore  we  esteem  it  reasonable  in  some 
solemn  manner,  daily  to  prostrate  ourselves 
before  the  supreme  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
to  implore  his  pardoning  mercy  and  grace  to 
fulfil  his  will. 

Though  by  sin  we  have  forfeited  the  char- 
acter of  his  children,  yet  he  is  graciously 
pleased  to  allow  us  to  call  him  our  father,  and 
to  treat  us  with  paternal  kindness  and  mercy. 

Notwithstanding  our  unworthiness,  he  hath 
invited  and  encouraged  us  to  maintain  a  sa- 
cred  intercourse  with  heaven,  by  prayer  and 
supplication  with  thanksgiving. 

Relying  on  his  gracious  indulgence,  con- 
fiding in  his  promises,  we  will  daily  seek  his 
face  and  favour,  and  implore  all  needed  bless- 
ings, pertaining  to  time  and  eternity. 

O  thou  Father  of  lights,  who  givest  to  all 
Inen  liberally,  conscious  of  our  lack  of  wis- 
dom, we  refer  ourselves  to  thy  guidance,  be- 
seeching thee  to  shew  us  the  path  of  life,  and 
make  us  wise  unto  salvation. 

Let  us  remember  that  in  order  to  render 
our  external  devotions  an  acceptable  service 
unto  God,  they  must  be  accompanied  with  pu- 
rity of  heart,  and  holy  obedience  unto  life. 


57 

For,  unto  men  of  unhallowed  hearts  and 
lives,  God  saith,  What  have  ye  to  declare  my 
statutes,  or  that  ye  should  take  my  covenant 
in  your  mouths  ?  Your  sacrifices  are  an  abom- 
ination. 

God  is  a  spirit ;  and  those  who  worship 
him,  must  worship  him  in  spirit  and  truth. 

Who  shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord  ? 
And  who  shall  stand  in  his  holy  place  ? 

He  who  hath  clean  handstand  a  pure  heart; 
who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity, 
nor  sworn  deceitfully. 

All  the  paths  of  the  Lord  are  mercy  and 
truth  unto  those  who  Tceep  his  testimonies  ; 
he  will  guide  and  shew  them  the  way  of  life 
and|happiness. 

They  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the 
Lord,  and  righteousness  from  the  God  of 
their  salvation. 

Lead  us  in  thy  truth,  and  teach  us,  O  Lord,^ 
for  thou  art  the  God  of  our  salvation.  Keep 
our  souls  and  deliver  us  ;  let  integrity  and 
uprightness  preserve  us ;  for  we  wait  on  thee. 


EXER.   XXL 

Sincerity  in  religion  made  the  subject  of  ear- 
nest jprayer  and  exhortation^  calculated  to 

.  promote  the  christian  temper  of  candor 
and  charity. 

Mas.  O  THOU  Father  of  lights,  we  beseech 
thee  to  irradiate  our  understandings  with  the 
beams  of  heavenly  wisdom,  and  may  our 
souls  be  inspired  with  dispositions  of  rever- 

5* 


ence,  gratitude^  and  devotion  5  of  purity,  lia^ 
mility,  and  charity. 

Fam.  May  the  great  Father  of  spirits,  and 
source  of  all  gracious  influence,  impress  our 
souls  with  a  reverential  fear  of  himself,  and 
shed  abroad  his  love  in  our  hearts. 

Animated  by  the  noblest  motives,  and  ac- 
tuated by  the  best  principles,  may  we  with 
sincerity  and  persevering  constancy,  apply 
ourselves  to  every  branch  of  duty. 

Whatsoever  we  do,  let  us  do  it  heartily  as 
to  the  Lord  and  not  unto  men ;  for  mau 
looketh  to  the  outward  appearance,  but  God 
looketh  to  the  heart. 

Cleave  unto  the  Lord  your  God,  and  serve 
him  in  sincerity  and  truth,  with  a  perfect 
heart,  and  with  a  willing  mind,  and  with  a 
pure  conscience. 

Let  us  walk  before  him  in  uprightness  and 

integrity  of  heart ;  for  his  eye  searches  us 

throughout,  and  our  most  secret  designs  and 

'  intentions  are  naked  and  open  to  the  view  of 

his  omniscience. 

Who  is   a   wise    man,  and   endued  with 
knowledge  among  you  ?  Let  him  show  out  of. 
a  good  conscience  his  works,  with  meekness 
of  wisdom,   without  partiality   and   without 
hypocrisy. 

The  ways  of  those,  who  forg^  God,  are 
misery  and  destruction,  and  the  hypocrite^s 
hope  shall  perish. 

Let  every  man  prove  his  own  work ;  then 
shall  he  have  rejoicing  in  himself  alone,  and 
his  soul  shall  be  cheered  with  serene  reflec- 
fionnu 


Behold^  O  God,  thou  desireth  truth  iu  the 
inward  parts  ;  therefore  I  will  not  remove 
my  integrity ;  my  heart  shall  nor  reproach 
me  so  long  as  I  live. 

He  that  walketh  uprightly, walketh  surely; 
for  if  there  be  a  willing  mind,  to  do  j  ustice,  love 
mercy^  and  walk  humbly,  it  will  be  accepted. 

May  we  not  imitate  those,  who  make  use  of 
religion  as  a  cloak  to  cover  their  evil  designs* 
For  behold,  their  joy  is  but  for  a  moment, 
and  their  expectation  shall  be  cut  off. 

Who  can  understand  his  errors  ?  Cleanse 
us,  O  Lord  from  secret  faults.  Keep  back 
thy  servants  also  from  presumptuous  sins  ; 
then  shall  we  be  upright  before  thee,  and  re- 
joice in  conscious  integrity. 

Search  us,  O  God^  and  know  our  thoughts  ; 
reclaim  us  from  every  evil  way,  and  lead  us 
in  the  way  everlasting. 

O  thou  Father  of  mercies,  and  eternal 
source  of  joy  and  consolation,  we  beseech 
thee  to  inspire  our  souls  with  that  spirit  of 
charity  and  candour,  which  is  the  brightest 
resemblance  of  thy  benevolent  nature,  and  the 
most  glorious  ornament  of  a  christian. 

We  ourselves  are  taught  of  God  to  love 
one  another  ;  for  this  commandment  have  we 
from  him,  that  he  who  loveth  God,  lovcth  his 
brother  also. 

Love  worketh  no  ill  to  his  neighbcmr,  but 
is  kind  and  beneficent  to  all,  ready  to  distri- 
bute, willing  to  communicate  ;  therefore  love 
is  the  fulfilling  of  the  law. 

Above  all  things,  let  us  have  fervent  chari- 
ty among  ourselves  ;  for  charity  maketh  can- 


60 

did  allowance  for  human  frailties  and  inflrmi 
ties,  and  covereth  a  multitude  of  sins. 

Judge  not  that  ye  be  not  judged  ;  for  with 
what  judgment  ye  judge,  ye  shall  be  judged, 
and  with  what  measure  ye  mete  it  shall  be 
measured  to  you  again. 

l^^harity  thinketh  no  evil ;  it  harboureth 
no  private  grudges  or  unreasonable  suspi- 
cions  ;  it  believeth  and  hopeth  all  things  as 
candour  dictates,  putting  the  most  favourable 
construction  on  men's  words  and  actions. 

Lord,  who  shall  abide  in  thy  tabernacle  ? 
He  that  backbiteth  not  with  his  tongue,  nor 
laketh  up  a  reproach  against  his  neighbour. 

Whoso  watcheth  for  iniquity  shall  be  cut 
off ;  and  what  confidence  can  any  one  have 
in  the  day  of  the  Lord,  who  maketh  his 
brother  an  offender  for  a  word  ?  Such  shall 
not  inherit  his  kingdom. 

Thou  art  inexcusable,  O  man  that  judgest, 
when  thou  that  judgest  dost  the  same  things  ; 
for  wherein  thou  judgest  another  thou  con- 
demnest  thyself. 

Every  man  must  answer  for  himself,  before 
the  Judge  of  all  the  earth,  who  will  bring  to 
light  the  hidden  things  of  darkness,  and 
make  manifest  the  counsels  of  all  hearts  ; 
then  shall  every  man,  who  hath  done  well, 
have  praise  and  honour,  but  infamy  shall  fall 
upon  the  workers  of  iniquity. 

May  our  souls  be  inspired  with  christian 
candour  and  charity,  and  our  lives  be  regulat- 
ed  by  the  sublime"  maxims  of  the  gospel;  then 
we  shall  see  the  salvation  of  God,  and  be 
able  to  lilt  up  our  faces  with  joy  and  confi- 


61 

deuce,  nt  the  day  of  the  revelation  of  his 
righteous  judgment. 


EXER.  XXII. 

Calculated^  like  the  immediately  jireceding,  ta 
promote  love  and  friendshijJ  and  universal 
benevolence^  and   the  importance  and  ad- 
vantage of  iDivine  Revelation. 
Mas,     O  Thou   God   of  love  and   peace, 
inspire  us,  we  beseech  thee,  with  the  heavenly 
dispositions  of  benevolence  and   friendship, 
and,  according  to  the  measure  of  our  capaci- 
ties, may  we  be  imitators  of  thy  goodness,  as 
we^lmve  opportunity. 

Fam.  O  our  Father  in  heaven,  may  it  please 
thee  to  divest  us  of  a  spirit  of  pride,  envy 
and  malevolence,  and  to  endue  us  with  that 
christian  temper  of  charity,  which  shall  flow 
in  the  perpetual  streams  of  beneficence  toward 
one  another  and  toward  all  around  us. 

Teach  us,  O  Lord,  to  preserve  the  honours, 
and  perform  the  duties  belonging  to  every 
one,  in  their  several  stations  and  relations,  as 
superiors,  inferiors,  or  equals. 

Then  shall  our  lot  in  life  be  sweetened 
with  domestic  harmony,  joy  and  comfort,  and 
we  shall  be  happy  in  the  reciprocal  embraces 
of  mutual  affection, 

Kejoicing  with  those  who  rejoice,  and 
weeping  with  those  who  weep,  we  shall  know 
then  by  happy  experience,  how  good  and 
pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  iq  dwell  together 
in  unity. 


63 

May  the  God  of  patience  and  consolation 
grant  us  to  be  like  minded  one  toward  another, 
that  we  may  with  one  heart  glorify  him 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

The  wisdom  that  is  from  above,  averse  to 
envying,  strife,  and  vain  glory,  is  peaceable, 
gentle,  and  easy  to  be  entreated  ;  full  of 
mercy  and  good  fruits,  without  partiality  and 
without  hypocrisy. 

With  sympathetic  feelings,  it  participates 
in  the  joys  and  sorrows  that  alternately  mark 
the  lot  of  humanity,  and  is  always  ready,  as 
far  as  possible,  to  mitigate  the  woes  of  the 
afflicted  and  distressed. 

What  man  is  he  who  loveth  life,  and  wish- 
eth  to  see  good  days,  let  him  avoid  the  paths 
of  guile  and  hypocrisy,  and  follow  after  the 
things  that  make  for  peace,  shewing  meek- 
ness and  good  will  to  all  men. 

Let  every  man  study  to  be  quiet,  and  attend 
to  his  own  business,  endeavouring  to  keep  the 
unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace. 

For  there  is  one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  bap- 
tism, one  God  and  Father  of  all ;  and  all 
men  are  brethren  and  partakers  of  the  same 
common  nature,  though  widely  dispersed  over 
the  face  of  the  earth. 

And  ^'  God  to  all  whose  friendly  hearts 

^^  With  mutual  love  abound, 
^^  Hath  firmly  promised  length  of  days, 
^^  With  constant  blessings  crownM.*^ 

O  thou  universal  Parent  and  Preserver  of 
men,  in  order  to  expand  and  improve  our  be- 
nevolence, we  humbly  implore  thy  blessing 


63 

upon  the  great  family  of  human  kind  in  all 
their  dispersions  through  the  four  quarters  of 
the  globe* 

God  hath  made  of  one  blood  all  nations 
of  the  earth  ;  and  though  he  hath  dispensed 
his  blessings  among  them  in  various  and  dif- 
ferent proportions,  yet  he  hath  not  left  auy  of 
them  without  a  witness  of  his  goodness. 

Blessed  be  his  name  that  he  hath  been 
pleased,  according  to  the  counsels  of  his  un- 
searchable wisdom,  to  raise  us  above  the  gen- 
erality  of  our  fellow  creatures,  in  regard  to 
the  privileges,  advantages  and  enjoyments, 
both  civil  and  religious. 

While  we  adore  his  goodness  for  all  distin- 
guishing blessings,  let  us  devoutly  pray  that, 
in  his  own  due  time  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth,  from  the  rising  to  the  setting  sun,  may 
share  with  us  in  the  blessings  of  outward 
peace  and  prosperity,  of  rational  liberty  and 
good  civil  government,  in  connection  with  the 
blessings  of  evangelical  light  and  grace, 
which  are  our  greatest  glory  and  felicity. 

O  thou  eternal  source  of  wisdom  and  know- 
ledge, we  rejoice  in  all  the  discoveries  which 
thou  hast  made  to  us  of  thyself,  in  thy  works, 
and  in  thy  word ;  and  we  humbly  implore  thy 
guidance  and  direction  in  all  important  con- 
cernments. 

We  return  thee  our  most  hearty  thanks, 
that  thou  hast  not  confined  us  to  the  book  of 
nature,  but  hast  opened  before  us  the  sacred 
volume  of  thy  word,  wherein  we  are  clearly 
taught  how  we  may  escape  the  wrath  to  come^, 
and  inherit  eternal  life. 


64 

Though  we  can  in  many  cases  judge,  even 
of  ourselves,  what  is  right,  our  consciences 
bearing  witness  to  what  is  good  or  evil,  yet 
we  are  not  a  sufficient  law  to  ourselves,  but 
stand  in  need  of  divine  illumination. 

For,  without  the  aid  of  revelation,  the  law 
written  on  our  hearts  is  not  able  to  give  us  a 
full  knowledge  of  that  good,  acceptable  and 
perfect  will  of  God,  which  is  necessary  to 
shew  us  the  path  of  life,  and  lead  us  in  the 
way  everlasting. 

Blessed  be  God  for  the  glorious  light  of 
revelation,  shining  in  the  sacred  pages  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testament,  which  amply  sup- 
plies the  deficiencies  of  the  light  of  nature, 
and  is  able  to  instruct  us  in  the  way  of  holy 
and  happy  living. 

Let  us  search  the  scriptures  daily,  since 
they  are  profitable  for  doctrine,  reproof,  cor- 
rection,  instruction,  and  sufficient  to  make  us 
wise  to  salvation. 

While  we  rejoice  in  the  doctrine  of  salva- 
tion, which  was  spoken  by  the  Lord,  and  was 
confirmed  by  them  who  heard  him,  let  us  take 
heed  that  we  do  not  fall  under  the  condemna- 
tion of  those,  who  love  darkness  rather  than 
light,  because  their  deeds  are  evil. 


EXER.  XXIIL 

Confession^  supplication  and  confidence  in 
God^  adapted  also  for  Sabbath  murning. 

Mas.     Unto   thee,  Almigiity  Uou,  do  we 
lift  up  our  hearts  j    trusting  in  thee  we  shall 


65 

not  be  ashamed  or  confounded,  neither  shall 
any  sin  or  temptation  triumph  over  us. 

Fam.  For  all  those,  who  hope  in  thee, 
will  not  be  ashamed,  but  those  who  transgress 
without  a  cause,  shall  be  put  to  confusion. 

Shew  us  thy  ways,  O  Lord,  and  teach  us 
thy  paths ;  lead  us  in  thy  truth  and  righte- 
ousness,  for  thou  art  the  Grod  of  our  salva- 
tion ;  on  thee  do  we  wait  all  the  day. 

Remember  not  the  sins  and  transgressions 
of  our  youth,  but  according  to  thy  mercy, 
which  has  ever  been  of  old,  remember  thou 
us  for  thy  goodness'  sake,  O   Lord. 

(xood  and  perfect  are  thy  laws  ;  therefore 
thou  wilt  teach  sinners  in  the  way  ;  the  meek 
thou  wilt  guide  in  judgment,  and  those,  who 
are  humble,  will  obey  thy  commands. 

All  thy  paths.  Lord,  are  mercy  and  truth  ; 
and  those,  who  endeavour  to  keep  thy  cove- 
nant and  testimonies,  will  receive  thy  bless- 
ing. 

Those  who  adhere  to  thy  precepts,  thou 
wilt  strengthen  in  their  ways ;  their  souls 
will  receive  comfort,  and  their  offspring  will 
inherit  the  earth. 

Though  by  frailty  they  may  fall,  they  will 
not  be  forsaken,  for  thou  wilt  be  their  support, 
and  the  wholesome  defence  of  thine  anointed. 

Turn  thou  us,  O  Lord,  and  have  mercy 
upon  us  for  we  are  desolate  and  afflicted  ; 
the  sorrows  of  our  hearts  are  enlarged.  O 
rescue  us  from  dangers  that  surround  us. 

Look  on  our  adversity  and  misery,  and  par- 
don our  sins.  Keep  our  souls,  and  deliver  us 
from  trouble  ;  then  we  shall  not  be  confound- 
6 


66 

ed,  but  our  trust  and  confidence  shall  be  iu 
thy  word. 

Examine  and  prove  us,  O  Lord ;  try  our 
reins  and  our  hearts.  Experiencing  thy 
loving  kindness^  we  will  endeavour  to  walk 
in  thy  truth. 

We  will  not  sit  with  vain  persons  neither 
have  fellowship  with  dissemblers^  in  whose 
hands  are  mischief  and  deceit. 

We  will  wash  our  hands  in  innocency, 
and  compass  thine  altar,  to  acknowledge  thy 
mercy  with  thanksgiving,  and  tell  of  all  thy 
wondrous  works. 

Lord  may  we  love  the  habitation  of  thine 
house,  and  the  place  where  thine  honour 
dwelleth.  Our  feet  shall  stand  in  an  even 
place.  In  the  congregation  we  will  bless  the 
Lord. 

Thou  being  our  light  and  salvation^  whom 
then  need  we  fear?  The  Lord  is  the  strength 
of  our  life  ;  of  whom  then  shall  we  be  afraid  ? 

Though  an  host  of  enemies  should  encamp 
against  us^  our  hearts  will  not  be  dismayed  : 
Though  war  should  rise  against  us^  in  this 
we  will  be  confident. 

One  thing  do  we  desire  of  the  Lord  ;  that 
we  may  dwell  in  his  house^  to  behold  its 
order,  and  to  celebrate  his  great  and  holy 
name. 

When  thou  saidst,  seek  ye  my  face,  our 
hearts  would  devoutly  reply,  thy  face,  Lord, 
we  will  seek. 

For  thou,  O  Lord,  hast  been  our  shield 
and  defence  when  our  friends  and  kindred 
forsook  us,  and  when   false  witnesses,  and 


67 

those  who  breathed  out  cruelty,  appeared 
against  us,  thou  didst  support  and  strengthen 
our  hearts. 

Therefore  we  will  wait  on  the  Lord  in  his 
sanctuary,  and  be  of  good  courage.  He  will 
guide  our  feet  in  the  paths  of  righteousness, 
for  his  name  sake. 


EXER.  XXIV. 

Diligence  and  Contentment. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  teach  us, 
we  beseech  thee,  in  our  several  stations  and 
relations,  to  prosecute  the  service  required 
of  us  with  diligence  and  contentment. 

Let  every  man  labour,  working  with  his 
hand  the  thing,  which  is  good  ;  that  he  may 
have  to  give  to  him  that  needeth. 

Be  not  slothful  in  business  ;  for  the  waj^  of 
the  slothful  man  is  an  hedge  of  thorns,  and 
the  end  thereof  is  poverty  and  disgrace. 

The  thoughts  of  the  diligent  tend  to  plente- 
ousness  ;  but  he  that  is  slothful  in  his  work, 
is  brother  to  him  that  is  a  great  waster. 

A  good  man  with  assiduous  labour  provid- 
eth  for  the  welfare  of  his  family,  and  a  virtu- 
ous woman  looketh  well  to  the  ways  of  her 
household,  and  eateth  not  the  bread  of  idle- 
ness. 

The  hand  of  the  diligent  maketh  rich,  but 
the  soul  of  the  sluggard  desireth,  and  hath 
nothing. 

Seeth  thou  a  man  diligent  in  business  ?  He 
shall  stand  before  kings  ;  he  shall  not  stand 
before  mean  men. 


68 

Let  every  man  abide  iu  the  calling  where- 
in he  is  called  ;  and  having  food  and  raiment 
convenient  for  us,  let  us  take  heed,  lest  at 
any  time  our  hearts  be  overcharged  with  vex- 
atious cares  and  unavailing  anxieties. 

Let  us  not  too  much  solicit  ourselves  about 
what  we  shall  eat,  or  what  we  shall  driuk,  or 
wherewithal  we  shall  be  clothed  ;  but  let  us 
make  it  our  first  care  to  lay  up  treasures  in 
heaven,  in  confidence  that  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther, who  knoweth  that  we  have  need  of  such 
temporal  good  things,  will  bestow  them  in 
competent  supplies. 

Let  us  learn,  in  whatsoever  state  we  are, 
therewith  to  be  content,  and  endeavour  to  use 
this  world  as  not  abusing  it,  since  the  fashion 
of  it  passeth  away. 

Let  your  conversation  be  without  anxiety, 
and  be  content  with  such  things  as  ye  have, 
for  God  hath  said,  I  will  never  leave  nor 
forsake  thee. 

Let  us  take  heed  and  beware  of  covetous- 
ness  ;  for  a  man's  life  consisteth  not  in  the 
abundance  of  the  things  he  possesseth.  God- 
liness with  contentment  is  great  gain  ;  for  we 
brought  nothing  into  this  world,  and  it  is 
certain  we  can  carry  nothing  out. 

Better  is  a  little  with  the  fear  of  the  Lord^ 
than  great  treasure  and  trouble  therewith  ; 
for  what  is  a  man  profited  if  he  gain  the  whole 
world  and  lose  his  own  soul. 

Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  on  earth, 
where  moth  aud  rust  doth  corrupt,  but  lay  up 
for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven  ;  for  where 
your  treasure  is  there  will  your  heart  be  also. 


69 

O  Lord,  order  our  outward  circumstances 
in  such  a  manner,  as  thou  seest  to  be  best  for 
us,  and  teach  us  to  demean  ourselves  as  we 
ought  in  every  condition,  and  may  all  provi- 
dences, whether  favourable  or  calamitous, 
work  together  for  our  good. 

Then  may  we  hope  that  the  remaining  days 
of  our  pilgrimage  on  earth,  may  be  crowned 
with  joy  and  serenity,  and  that  we  shall  final- 
ly realize  those  glorious  scenes,  and  solacing 
anticipations,  in  the  climes  above,  of  which 
the  gospel  now  gives  the  most  animating 
prospects. 


EXER.   XXV. 

On  Divine  Goodness. 

i.  Mas^  Almighty  God,  the  heavens  de- 
clare thy  glory,  and  the  firmament  she weth 
thine  handy  work,  day  unto  day  uttereth 
speech,  and  night  unto  night,  thy  knowledge. 

2.  Fam.  There  is  neither  speech  nor  lan- 
guage but  thy  voice  is  heard,  and  the  opera- 
tions of  nature  are  universally  before  us. 

3.  Thou  ordaineth  a  tabernacle  for  the  sun^ 
which  Cometh  forth  as  a  bridegroom  from  his 
chamber,  and  rejoiceth  as  a  giant  to  run  his 
course. 

4.  His  going  forth  is  from  the  end  of  heav- 
en, and  his  circuit  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
and  there  is  nothing  hid  from  the  heat  thereof. 

5.  O  Lord,  our  Governor,  how  excellent 
is  thy  name  in  all  the  earth,  and  thy  glory 
above  the  heavens  ;  considering  the  works  of 

6^ 


?0 


thy  finger^  the  moon  and  stars,  (hou  hast  ot- 
dainetl. 

6.  It  behoves  us  devoutly  to  enquire,  Lord 
what  is  man  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him^  or 
the  son  of  man  that  thou  visiteth  him  ? 

7.  Thou  hast  permitted  him  to  have  domin- 
ion over  the  works  of  thine  hands  and  put  all 
things  in  subjection  to  him. 

8.  All  sheep  and  oxen  :  The  fowls  of  the 
air,  the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  whatsoever  walk- 
eth  through  the  paths  of  the  sea,  all  acknowl- 
edge thy  support  and  protection, 

9.  The  children  of  men  unite  in  celebrat- 
ing thy  wondrous  works,  they  abundantly  ut- 
ter the  memory  of  thy  goodness,  and  sing  of 
thy  righteousness. 

10.  Thou  Lord  art  gracious  and  merciful, 
long  suffering  and  of  great  goodness,  and  thy 
tender  mercies  are  over  all  thy  works. 

1 1.  Almighty  Creator,  thy  power,  thy  glory 
and  the  mightiness  of  thy  kingdom  are  known 
unto  men,  thy  kingdom  is  everlasting,  and 
tiiy  dominion  endureth  throughout  all  ages. 

i2.  Thou  openest  thine  baud,  and  satisfieth 
the  desire  of  every  living  thing,  and  art  nigh 
unto  all  those  who  faithfully  call  upon  thee. 

13.  Thou  wilt  fulfil  their  desire,  will  at- 
tend to  their  prayer,  and  grant  their  request. 
Our  mouths  therefore  shall  speak  the  praises 
of  the  Lord,  and  let  all  flesh  render  thanks  to 
his  great  and  holy  name. 

14.  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates,  and  be 
ye  lifted  up,  ye  everlasting  doors,  that  the 
king  of  glory  may  come  in. 

15.  Who  is  the  king  of  glory?   It  is  the 


1 


71 

Lord,  strong   and  mighty,  even  the   Lord, 
mighty  in  battle. 

16.  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates,  and 
be  ye  lifted  up,  ye  everlasting  doors,  that  the 
king  of  glory  may  come  in. 

17.  His  name  will  endure  for  ever,  and 
continue  as  long  as  the  sun.  All  nations  do 
call  him  blessed,  and  the  whole  earth  be  fill- 
ed with  his  glory. 


EXER.    XXVL 

Peculiarly  adapted  for  the  young. 

Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days 
of  thy  youth,  that  your  mind  may  be  stored 
with  treasures  of  comfort,  before  the  evil 
days  of  old  age  come  on,  wherein  your  relish 
for  earthly  pleasures,  and  worldly  delights, 
will  cease,  and  be  no  more. 

Seek  the  Lord  while  he  may  be  found; 
call  upon  him  while  he  is  near;  and  hearken 
diligently  to  the  voice  of  wisdom,  which  ad- 
dresses you  in  that  language  :  ^^  I  love  them 
who  love  me,  and  they  who  seek  me  early 
shall  find  me.'^ 

What  is  your  life?  A  vapour  which  ap- 
peareth  for  a  moment,  and  then  vanisheth 
away.  Teach  us,  O  Lord,  so  to  number  our 
days,  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto 
wisdom. 

Behold,  O  Lord,  thou  hast  made  our  days 
an  hand-breadth,  and  our  age  as  nothing  be- 
fore thee  ;  every  man,  at  his  best  estafe,  is 
altogether  vanity.     May  the  God  of  the  spirits 


72 

of  all  flesh,  cause  us  to  know  our  end,  and 
the  measure  of  our  days,  what  it  is,  that  we 
may  know  how  frail  we  are. 

Rejoice,  O  young  man,  in  thy  youth,  and 
let  thy  heart  cheer  thee  in  the  days  of  thy 
youth,  and  walk  in  the  imagination  of  thy 
heart  and  the  sight  of  thine  eyes,  but  know 
thou,  that  for  all  these  things,  God  will  bring 
thee  into  judgment. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  the  beginning  of 
wisdom,  the  ways  whereof  are  ways  of  pleas- 
antness, and  all  her  paths  peace. 

Say  not,  ^^  We  are  young;  religion  is  too 
grave  a  business  for  our  sprightly  age ;  we 
will  wait  for  a  more  convenient  season,^^  for 
the  bloom  of  youth  is  no  security  against  the 
invasion  of  mortal  sickness,  or  the  stroke  of 
death  ;  and  you  know  not  what  a  day  may 
bring  forth. 

May  young  people  consider,  that  now^  in  a 
peculiar  sense,  is  the  accepted  time,  and  the 
day  of  salvation  ;  and  that,  should  their  lives 
be  protracted  to  advanced  age,  they  will  never 
have  a  more  convenient  season  to  engage 
in  the  business  of  religion  than  the  present. 

May  the  grace  of  God  temper  and  moder- 
ate the  gaieties  of  their  volatile  age,  and  in- 
duce  them  to  be  sober  minded,  and  to  conse- 
crate their  blooming  spring  to  religion  and 
virtue  ;  then  shall  they  receive  a  rich  harvest 
of  joys  and  comforts  in  the  autumn  of  life, 
should  they  attain  to  it. 

May  a  consideration  of  God^s  omniscience 
be  a  constant  restraint  upon  inexperienced 
youth;  and  dispose  them  to  repel  temptatiuns, 


in  the  language  of  Joseph — "  How  can  1  do 
this  wickedness,  and  sin  against  God.^^ 

^^  Reduce,  O  Lord  their  wandering  minds, 

Amus'd  with  airy  dreams, 
That  heavenly  wisdom  may  dispel, 

Their  visionary  schemes.'^ 

Wherewith  shall  a  young  man  cleanse  his 
way  ?  By  taking  heed  thereto,  according  to 
God's  word,  and  keeping  his  ordinances  and 
precepts- 
Early  habits  of  piety  and  virtue,  like  new 
clothes  on  a  young  and  comely  body,  set  very 
gracefully  on  a  young  mind,  and  add  peculiar 
beauties  to  it. 

Such  habits  are  robes  of  glory  to  blooming 
youth  ;  like  ornaments  of  grace  about  their 
heads,  and  chains  of  gold  about  their  necks. 
Flee  youthful  follies  and  vanities,  and 
serve  the  Lord  with  a  perfect  heart  and  wil- 
ling mind,  hearkening  to  the  doctrines  of  his 
word,  and  teachings  of  his  ministers  ;  lest 
you  mourn  at  last,  when  your  flesh  and  your 
heart  are  consumed,  and  say,  "  How  have  we 
hated  instruction,  and  our  hearts  despised  re- 
proof/^ 

O  that  there  were  such  an  heart  in  them, 
that  they  might  fear  the  Lord,  and  keep  his 
commandments  always ;  then  would  it  be 
well  with  them  in  time  and  eternity. 

^*With  holy  caution  may  they  walk, 
4nd  be  thy  word  their  guide, 

'Till  each,  the  desart  safely  passed, 
On  Zion's  hill  abide.^^ 


n 

Believing  the  doctrines  contained  in  the  sa- 
cred pages  of  the  oracles  of  Irod,  receive  with 
meekness  and  all  readiness  of  mind  the  in- 
grafted word,  which  is  able  to  save  your 
souls. 

For  the  law^  of  the  Lord  is  perfect,  convert- 
ing the  soul ;  the  testimony  of  the  Lord  is 
sure,  making  w  ise  the  simple  ;  his  command- 
ment is  perfect,  enlightening  the  eyes. 

The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  clean,  enduring 
forever ;  the  judgment  of  the  Lord  is  true 
and  righteous  altogether. 

More  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold  ; 
sweeter  also  than  honey,  or  the  honeycomb, 
for  by  them  are  thy  servants  warned,  and  iu 
keeping  them  there  is  great  reward. 


EXER.  XXV IL 

The  righteous  and  wicked  compared. 

1.  O  THOU  Supreme  Lord  of  Heaven 
and  earth,  we  adore  Thee,  as  the  righteous 
Judge  of  the  world,  who,  without  respect  to 
persons,  will  bring  every  work  into  judgment, 
with  every  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good, 
or  whether  it  be  evil. 

S.  In  every  nation  he  that  feareth  God  and 
worketh  righteousness  is  accepted  of  him ; 
but  the  wicked  are  objects  of  his  displeasure, 
and  are  exposed  to  the  awful  effects  of  his 
angry  resentments. 


75 

3.  Say  ye  to  the  righteous,  that  it  shall  be 
well  with  them,  for  they  shall  eat  of  the  fruit 
of  their  cloiugs.  Woe  unto  the  wicked,  it 
shall  be  ill  wilh  him,  for  the  reward  of  his 
hands  shall  be  given  him. 

4i.  The  righteous  are  delivered  out  of  trou- 
ble, and  the  wicked  are  snared  in  the  work 
of  their  hands ;  for  God  will  not  cast  away 
the  upright  man,  neither  will  he  embrace  evil 
doers  in  the  arms  of  favour. 

3.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  is  wisdom  and 
understanding;  but  wiekedness  is  madnes$ 
and  folly. 

6.  Many  sorrows  shall  attend  the  wicked 
in  all  their  ways,  but  mercy  shall  compass 
him  about,  who  feareth  God  and  keepeth  his 
commandments. 

7.  Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and 
gladness  for  the  upright  in  heart ;  but  the 
way  of  the  wicked  is  darkness,  and  their 
path  leadeth  to  misery  and  destruction. 

8.  He  that  walketh  uprightly,  walketh 
surely;  the  Lord  will  bless  his  habitation; 
but  he  that  perverteth  his  way  shall  stumble 
and  fall,  and  the  displeasure  of  the  Almighty 
shall  be  upon  his  house. 

9.  He  that  keepeth  the  commandment 
keepeth  his  own  soul,  and  his  memory  is 
blessed  ;  but  he  that  despiseth  the  command- 
ment shall  die,  and  the  memory  of  the  wick- 
ed perisheth. 

10.  They  who  fear  and  serve  the  Lord,  are 
precious  in  his  sight,  and  honourable  ;  but 
the  workers  of  iniquity  are  vile,  and  are  an 
abominatioQ  la  his  sight. 


i 


76 

i  1.  The  fear  of  the  Lord  prolongeth  days, 
and  the  desire  of  the  righteous  shall  be  satis- 
fied ;  but  the  wicked  is  driven  away  in  his 
wickedness,  and  his  years  shall  be  short 
ened. 

12.  When  it  goeth  well  with  the  righteou 
the  city  rejoiceth  ;  and  when  the  wicke 
perish  they  are  soon  forgotten. 

13.  When  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in 
his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels  with  him, 
then  shall  be  gathered  before  him  all  nations, 
and  he  shall  separate  them  one  from  another^ 
as  a  shepherd  divideth  his  sheep  from  the 
goats. 

14.  Then  shall  he  say  to  the  righteous, 
Come  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world  ;  and  to  the  wicked,  Depart ' 
from  me,  I  know  you  not,  ye  workers  of 
iniquity. 

15.  Teach  us,  O  liOrd,  as  becometh  wise 
men  to  look  diligently  into  the  consequences 
of  actions,  and  may  a  consideration  of  the 
very  diflFerent  issues  of  a  virtuous  and  a 
vicious  course,  deter  us  from  the  latter,  and 
engage  us  in  the  former. 

16.  Let  us  keep  in  view  that  great  day  of 
reckoning,  when  we  must  give  an  account 
unto  Grod,  and  order  our  conversation  with  a 
proper  regard  thereto,  that  we  may  meet  his 
final  approbation,  and  obtain  his  gracious  ac- 
ceptance, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


77 


EXER.  XXVIII. 

Suitable  for  Christmas  morning.  On  the 
incarnation  of  Christy  and  merciful  design 
of  his  advent  into  the  world. 

Mas.  O  Thou  God  of  love,  with  thank- 
ful hearts  we  would  rejoice  in  all  the  displays 
and  exercises  of  thy  marvellous  grace  and 
mercy  towards  fallen  man. 

Fam.  Blessed  be  thy  name,  that  when 
the  first  parents  of  the  human  race  were  cast 
out  of  paradise  for  violating  thy  holy  cov- 
enant, thou  wast  pleased  in  order  to  encour- 
age their  hopes  in  thy  mercy,  to  make  that 
reviving  promise,  '^  The  seed  of  the  woman 
shall  bruise  the  serpent's  head/^ 

Let  us  give  glory  to  God  in  the  highest, 
that  when  the  fulness  of  time  was  come,  the 
promised  seed  of  the  w^oman  made  his  apear- 
ance  in  this  world;  through  whom  ihere  is 
peace  on  earth  and  good  will  towards  men. 

The  word  was  made  flesh  and  dwelt  among 
us,  and  we  beheld  his  glory,  in  his  heavenly 
doctrines  and  miraculous  works  ;  the  glory 
as  of  the  only  begotten  of  the  Father,  full  of 
grace  and  truth. 

In  this  was  manifested  the  love  of  God  to- 
wards  us,  because  that  God  sent  his  only  be- 
gotten son  into  the  world,  to  be  a  propitiation 
for  our  sins  that  we  might  live  through  him. 

Blessed  be  the  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ;  who  hath  visited  and  redeemed 
7 


78 


his  people,  and  raised  up  for  them  an  horn  of 
salvation  in  the  house  of  his  servant  David, 
according  to  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will,  to 
the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace. 

And  thus  hath  performed  the  mercy  prom- 
ised  to  our  fathers  of  old,  and  remembered 
his  gracious  covenant,  which  he  had  declar- 
ed by  the  mouth  of  his  holy  prophets,  since 
the  world  began. 

Our  souls  will  magnify  the  Lord  and  re- 
joice in  God  our  Saviour,  who  came  into  the 
world  to  deliver  us  from  guilt  and  condemna- 
tion, and  work  out  eternal  salvation  for  us. 

May  our  bosoms  glow  with  ardent  emotions 
of  gratitude,  when  we  recollect,  that  unto  us 
a  child  was  born,  unto  us  a  son  was  given, 
whose  name  was  Wonderful,  Counsellor,  Im- 
manuel,  the  Prince  of  Peace,  who  came  to 
save  his  people  from  their  sins. 

O  most  merciful  Father  in  heaven,  imprint 
we  beseech  thee  upon  our  hearts,  the  greaf' 
doctrines,  important  instructions  and  momen 
tons  truths  of  thy  word  by  thy  Son. 

With  adoring  admiration,  therefore,  we 
would  celebrate  his  condescending  goodness, 
in  becoming  incarnate,  on  purpose  that  he 
might  live  among  us  as  a  divine  teacher  and 
instructor,  and  finally  make  his  soul  an  oflfer- 
ing  for  sin. 

Divesting  himself  for  a  season  of  the  glory 
which  he  had  with  the  Father,  before  the 
world  was,  he  came  dow^n  from  heaven  to 
earth,  that  he  might  raise  us  from  earth  to  hea- 
ven, and  took  upon  him  our  mortal  nature,  that 
he  might  finally  clothe  us  with  immortality. 


I 


3 

i 


79 

Though  he  was  in  the  form  of  God^  yet  he 
condescended  to  take  upon  him  the  form  of  a 
servant,  and  to  be  made  in  all  things  like 
unto  us,  sin  only  excepted. 

And  being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man,  he 
became  obedient  unto  death,  that  he  might 
redeem  us  from  death,  and  procure  eternal 
life  for  us. 

He  took  not  on  him  the  nature  of  angels, 
but  the  seed  of  Abraham,  that  he  might  be  a 
merciful  and  faithful  high  priest,  in  things 
pertaining  to  God,  to  make  reconciliation  for 
the  sins  of  men. 

^^  Hosanna  to  the  incarnate  Word, 
Who  from  the  Father  came  ; 

Ascribe  salvation  to  the  Lord, 
And  blessings  on  his  name. 

My  Saviour,  Jesus,  teach  this  heart 
To  feel  thy  bleeding  love  : 

And  teach,  O  teach  my  v^^and'ring  steps^ 
To  seek  thy  throne  above. 

My  lips  shall  glow  with  flame  divine, 

To  celebrate   thy  praise, 
And  all  my  noblest  prayers  unite, 

A  grateful  hymn  to  raise. 

Wide  be  EmanuePs  honours  spread. 
Wide  let  his  sceptre  sway  ; 

He  stoopM  a  fallen  world  to  save. 
And  bore  its  sins  away.^^ 


80 

Let  us  cultivate  and  endeavour  to  preserve 
hi  our  grateful  hearts,  those  devout  regards 
towards  God's  incarnate  Son,  which  his  per- 
sonal excellencies,  condescending  goodness^ 
and  sacred  relations  to  us,  demand. 


EXER.    XXIX 

Concludes  on  the  day  of  Judgment. 

^*  O  save  me,  power  of  powers  supreme, 
In  that  tremendous  hour." 

Let  us  hear  the  conclusion  of  the  whole 
matter  :  fear  God  and  keep  his  command- 
ments, for  this  is  the  whole  duty  of  man.  JFor 
God  will  bring  every  work  into  judgment, 
with  every  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or 
whether  it  be  evil. 

God  hath  appointed  a  day,  in  which  he  will 
judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  by  Jesus 
Christ,  whereof  he  hath  given  assurance  to 
all  men,  in  that  he  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

Then  we  must  all  appear  before  the  judg- 
ment seat  of  Christ,  to  give  account  of  our- 
selves to  God,  that  every  one  may  receive, 
according  to  his  deeds  done  in  the  body. 

At  tliat  day,  the  Lord  himself,  attended 
with  a  glorious  retinue  of  angels,  shall  des- 
cend  from  heaven,  with  a  shout,  and  the 
trump  of  God,  and  all  nations  shall  be  gath- 
ered before  him,  to  receive  their  final  destiny. 

Then  all  that  are  in  their  graves  shall 
hear  his  voice,  and  come  forth  ;  and  the  dead, 
both  small  and  great,  shall  stand  before  God, 


81 

and  the  books  shall  be  opened,  and  the  dead 
shall  be  judged  out  of  those  things  which 
are  written  in  the  books,  according  to  their 
works. 

Behold  the  Lord  cometh  with  clouds,  and 
every  eye  shall  see  him,  and  they  also  who 
pierced  him,  shall  mourn  because  of  him  ; 
fur  to  them  his  second  appearing  will  be  a 
fearful  event  of  terror  and  consternation. 

As  Christ  once  appeared  to  take  away  sin, 
by  the  sacrifice  of  himself,  so,  to  those,  who, 
in  a  way  of  well  doing,  look  for  him,  will  he 
appear  the  second  time,  without  sin  unto  sal- 
vation. But,  in  that  day,  those  who  obey 
not  the  gospel,  shall  be  punished  with  ever- 
lasting destruction,  from  the  presence  of  the 
Lord,  and  the  glory  of  his  power. 

That  great  day  of  the  Lord  will  assuredly 
come,  in  which  the  heavens,  being  on  fire, 
shall  be  dissolved,  and  pass  away  with  a 
great  noise  ;  and  the  elements  shall  melt  with 
fervent  heat,  the  earth  also,  and  the  works 
that  are  therein,  shall  be  burnt  up. 

Then  shall  every  mountain,  and  every 
island,  be  moved  out  of  its  place ;  and  the 
kings  of  the  earth,  and  the  great  men,  and  tne 
rich  men,  and  the  chief  captains,  and  the 
mighty  men,  and  every  bond  man,  and  every 
free  man,  who  have  rejected  the  great  salva- 
tion  shall  hide  themselves  in  the  dens,  and 
in  the  rocks  of  the  mountains. 

And  shall  say  to  the  rocks  and  the  moun- 

tains  fall  on  us  and  hide  us  from  the  face  of 

him,  who  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  from  the 

wrath  of  the  Lamb ;  for  the  great  day  of  his 

7^ 


8^ 

wrath  is  come,  and  who  shall  be  able  to 
stand. 

Let  the  saints  of  the  Most  High  look  for- 
ward with  reviving  joy,  to  that  great  day  of 
the  revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  of 
God,  when  the  amazing  scene  above  describ- 
ed will  become  a  present  reality,  and  intro- 
duce them  into  the  full  and  perfect  possession 
of  the  blessings  of  redemption. 

Let  them  rejoice,  while  contemplating  that 
blessed  hope,  and  the  glorious  appearing  of 
our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  who  gave  himself 
for  us,  that  he  might  redeem  us  from  all 
iniquity,  and  finally  present  us,  before  the 
presence  of  God,  with  exceeding  joy. 

Seeing  that  the  dissolution  of  the  world 
will  most  certainly  take  place,  at  an  appoint- 
ed period,  when  the  Lord  himself  will  des- 
cend from  heaven,  in  awful  pomp  and  mag- 
nificence, to  judge  both  the  quick  and  the 
dead,  what  manner  of  persons'ought  we  to  be 
in  all  holy  conversation  and  godliness,  look- 
ing for,  and  hastening  unto,  the  coming  of  that 
great  day  of  the  Lord  ? 

Let  us  by  patient  continuance  in  well  do- 
ing, seek  for  glory,  honour  and  immortality, 
that  we  may  be  able  to  lift  up  our  faces  with 
confidence,  at  the  final  tribunal  of  our  supreme 
Lord  and  Judge,  and  have  an  open  entrance 
administered  to  us  into  his  everlasting  king- 
dom. 

Keeping  an  attentive  eye  fixed  on  that  final 
judgment,  which  is  every  moment  approach- 
ing, let  us  order  our  present  conduct  and 
conversation  with  a  proper  view,  and  refer- 


83 

ence  thereto,  that  wheri  the  grand  event  shall 
take  place,  we  may  hear  those  blessed  words 
pronounced  by  the  Sovereign  Judge^  ^^  Well 
done  good  and  faithful  servants.*^ 

Alarmed  by  the  terrors  of  the  Lord,  and 
encouraged  by  the  promise  of  the  gospel,  let 
us  flee  for  refuge  and  lay  hold  on  the  hope 
set  before  us,  that  we  may  be  safe  and  secure, 
when  the  heavens  and  the  earth  shall  be  dis- 
solved. And  when  we  shall  hear  gasping 
nature's  last  tremendous  groan,  may  we  as- 
cend the  skies,  with  triumphant  exultation, 
and  come  to  the  heavenly  Zion,  with  songs 
of  everlasting  joy  on  our  heads. 


EXER.  XXX. 

Additional  Odes  for  Christmas  ;  selected 
from  the  subsequent  Papers  on  the  Birth 
of  Christy  for  the  Anniversary  of  1818. 

FROM   THE    BOSTON    PAPERS. 

^^And  the  angel  said,  behold,  1  bring  you 
good  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to 
all  people.  For  unto  you  is  born  this  day,  a 
Saviour,  who  is  Christ  the  Lord.'^ 

In  our  aversion  to  ceremonies  and  holi- 
days, we  have  heretofore  prescribed  the  com- 
memoration even  of  the  nativity  of  the  >iES- 
81  AH.  We  rejoice  now  to  perceive  a  general 
purpose,  among  dissenters,  to  celebrate  this 
great  event.  And  what  can  be  more  becom- 
ing all  those  of  every  sect,  who  believe  and 


Si 

hope  in  Jesus,  the  great  Spiritual  Deliverer^ 
thaa  to  notice,  in  a  religious  and  devout  man- 
ner, the  day  of  his  advent  to  this  w^orld  ;  to 
be  our  Light,  our  Life,  and  our  Redeemer  js 
from  sin  and  the  grave  !  We  trust,  we  all  ^ 
shall  unite,  in  future,  in  this  holy  and  grate- 
ful  service  ;  in  adoring  and  praising  God  for 
the  gift  of  the  Messiah,  to  dispense  truth 
and  pardon,  and  immortality  to  man. 

^^  Around  the  patriot's  bust  ye  throng, 
Him  ye  exalt  in  swelling  song ; 
For  him  the  wreath  of  glory  bind, 
Who  freed  from  vassalage  his  kind. 
Shall  He  who  fellow  men  to  save. 
Became  a  tenant  of  the  grave, 
Unthank'd  uncelebrated  rise. 
Pass  unremember'd  to  the  skies  ?'' 


CHRISTMAS  MORNING. 

Swiftly  fly  the  shades  of  night, 

And  each  sparkling  star  is  gone  ; 
While  the  streaks  of  rosy  light 

Usher  in  the  holy  morn. 
'Tis  the  morn,  when  from  afar 

Humble  offerings  shepherds  bring ; 
And  the  burning  eastern  star 

Leads  them  to  a  Saviour  King. 

Superstition's  course  was  run. 

All  her  footsteps  stainM  with  blood  $ 

Desolation's  work  was  done, 
Mark'd  by  an  avenging  God. 


83 

But  the  true  religion^s  foes 

Were  like  misty  vapours  hurVcl ; 

When  the  sun  of  Glory  rose 
Shining  o'er  a  darkeuM  world. 

^Tis  the  morn  to  Christians  dear, 

'Tis  the  morn  that  Christians  love  : 
When  their  troubled  spirits  here, 

Seek  a  resting  place  above. 
Virtue  spreads  a  bolder  wing, 

Faith  looks  up  with  surer  eye  ; 
Death  has  lost  its  dreaded  sting, 

Grave  has  lost  its  victory. 

Where  a.  few  assembled  are, 

In  the  midst  the  Lord  will  be ; 
He  will  hear  the  suppliant's  prayer, 

He  will  mark  the  bended  knee. 
At  the  cross,  then  let  us  crave 

Pardon  of  that  God  above, 
Who,  in  heavenly  mercy,  gave 

Proof  of  his  redeeming  love. 

Guilt  and  sin  in  dread  array, 

Haunt  the  troubled  world  no  more  ; 
Every  fault  is  washM  away, 

By  the  blessed  Saviour's  gore. 
Erring  Man,  be  not  afraid  ; 

Trust  to  God's  unchanging  will ; 
For  He,  who  in  his  mercy  made. 

Will  in  his  mercy  guard  thee  still. 


86 


FROM    THE   VERMONT   REPORTER. — By  J,  PhtlpS^  Esq, 

On  this  blest  morn  to  Bethlehem, 
The  star-directed  Shepherds  came  ; 
And  here  beheld  what  love  displayed  ! 
Emanuel  in  a  manger  laid. 

Life  and  immortal  hopes  this  day- 
Were  tun'd  on  ev'ry  Seraph's  lay ; 
Angels  repeat  the  notes  again, 

With      *^  PEACE    ON    EAliTH GOOD    WILL    TO 

MEN.^^ 

Hosanna,  sing  the  heavenly  birth — 
Uosanua,  worship  him  ye  earth  ; 
This  day,  from  death  and  bonds  set  free. 
Triumphant  shout  the  victory. 


FROM   A   SOUTHERN    PAPER. 


All  hail,  to  the  season,  when  festive  and  gay, 
Round  the  bright  social  fires  of  winter  we 
sit. 
Delighted  to  pass  the  long  evening  away, 
^AJidst   the    pleasures  of    song^   and   the 
sparkles  of  trit : 
When  kind  hosjntaHty  seeks  to  beguile. 
What  heart  can  refuse,  at  the  summons  of 
mirthy 
The  brow  of  dull  care  to  relax  for  a  while, 
In  the  gaity  to    which   merry  Christmas 
gives  birth  ! 


87 

Festivity  reigns  with  unlimited  sway, 

And  closes  the  year  both  in    Country  and 
Town, 
With  feasting  and  social^  and  music  all  day. 
The   cares   of   existence  in    pleasure    to 
drown. 

How  bright  is  the  prospect  wherever  the  eye, 
Or  the  mind  is  induced  to  direct  its  regard, 
What  favours  of  Heaven  descend   from  on 
high. 
Every  effort  of  Industry's  sons  to  reward  ! 
The  labours,  the  pleasures,  the  blessings  of 
Peace^ 
All  mark  the  proud  triumph  of  Liberty's 
reign. 
In  wealth   and   in  numbers   our  people  in- 
crease, 
And  plenty  reposes  on  mountain  and  plain^ 

Enlightened  Societies  study  with  care, 
The  means  of  adorning  our  land  to  com- 
bine, 
Soil^  Rivers  and  Roads^  Education ^  all  claim. 
Their  zeal  to  preserve,  to  improve  and  re- 
fine ; 
From  the  frontier  of  Maine,  to  the  wilds  of 
the  West, 
Shines  a  picture  unequall'd  of  national  bliss, 
No  earthly  community  ever  possessed, 

Such  cause  to  be  grateful  and  happy  as 
this. 


FAMILY  PRAYERS, 


SELECTED  FROM  VARIOUS  AUTHORS. 


First  Prayer  adapted  at  the  beginning  of  the 
year. 

Almighty  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh, 
and  author  of  all  created  existence,  who  hast 
vouchsafed  unto  us  to  see  the  commencement 
of  another  year  !  Hear  our  prayers  unto  thee 
respectins;  time  to  come.  We  acknowledge 
that  in  time  past  we  have  been  too  earnest 
atiout  the  things  of  time  and  sense  ;  too  re- 
J2;ardless  of  the  objects  of  faith  and  futurity. 
We  acknowledge  that  we  have  too  often  walk- 
ed in  a  vain  shew,  and  disquieted  ourselves 
in  vain.  It  is  our  desire  in  time  to  come  to 
cast  off  all  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness, 
and  to  walk  as  children  of  the  light  and  of  the 
day.  May  this  year  witness  our  greater  re- 
formation from  every  thing  that  is  amiss  in 
us  ;  and  if  thou  shall  see  fit  to  spare  our  lives, 
may  it  be  in  mercy  to  us. 

If  it  be  consistent  with  thy  holy  will,  may 

we  be  let  alone  another  year,  that   we  may 

cease  to  be  cumberers  of  thy  ground,  and  may 

bring  forth  fruit.     We  ask  not  length  of  days, 

8 


yo 

merely  to  enjoy  an  animal  life,  but  as  it  may 
furnish  us  with  an  opportunity  of  doing  good, 
and  becoming  ourselves  better.  We  commit 
all  our  concerns  to  thee,  and  would  submit  to 
those  circumstances  which  thou,  who  knowest 
what  is  best  for  us,  shalt  ordain.  If  the  Lord 
will,  we  desire  the  continuance  of  health,  and 
the  comforts  of  life.  May  we  be  prepared 
for  sickness,  and  every  change  into  which  thou 
mayestlead  us.  If  thine  infinite  wisdom  shall 
appoint  that  we  take  leave  of  the  world  the 
present  year,  may  we  be  ready  for  our  de« 
parture.  We  dare  not  say  we  will  do  this  or 
that ;  but  we  would  cherish  one  purpose,  to 
live  better  than  we  have  done. 

Preserve  us  from  all  injurious  delays,  espe- 
cially  from  delaying  to  repent  and  reform. 
Hasten  us  to  keep  thy  commandments,  and 
practically  to  know  every  season  of  our  visit- 
ation. JVlay  not  the  night  of  darkness,  in 
which  no  man  can  work,  overtake  us  una- 
wares, and  the  things  belonging  to  our  peace 
be  forever  hidden  from  our  eyes.  Exempt  us 
from  their  folly,  who  presume  on  life,  and 
speak  of  goods  laid  up  for  many  years.  May 
we  do  with  diligence  all  of  duty  that  our 
hands  find  to  do,  and  go  from  strength  to 
strength,  till  we  shall  appear  before  thee  in 
thy  heavenly  Zion. 

If  death  shall  approach  by  slow  advances, 
may  it  find  us  w  ell  employed  ;  and  if  we  are 
called  on  a  sudden  to  exchange  worlds,  may 
it  not  be  our  dreadful  lot  to  have  treasured  up 
fear  and  remorse.  When  we  finish  this  mor- 
tal life,  may  the  rod  and  staff  of  thy  word  be 


91 


our  support,  and  an  entrance  be  ministered  to 
us  into  thine  everlasting  kingdom. 

Unto  the  king  eternal,  immortal,  and  invisi- 
ble, the  only  wise  God,  be  honour^  and  glory, 
for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


Second  Prayer^  adapted  on  the  Spring. 

Incomprehknsibly  blessed  and  glorious 
Lord  our  God  !  By  thee  the  heavens  were 
made,  and  all  the  glorious  host  of  them  by  the 
breath  of  thy  mouth.  Thou  hast  appointed 
the  moon  for  seasons,  and  made  the  sun  to 
know  his  going  down.  Summer  and  winter, 
seed  time  and  harvest,  heat  and  cold,  are  di- 
rected by  thee.  At  one  time  thou  givest  snow 
like  wool,  and  scatterest  the  hoar  frost  like 
ashes  ;  at  another  time  thou  bringest  forth 
food  out  of  the  earth,  and  causest  the  grass 
to  grow  for  cattle,  and  herb  for  the  service  of 
man. 

Because  thine  eye  is  upon  the  year,  from 
the  beginning  even  unto  the  end,  we  are  now 
called  to  rejoice  that  the  winter  is  past,  the 
rain  is  over  and  gone,  the  flowers  appear 
upon  the  earth  ;  the  singing  of  birds  is  come, 
the  tree  puts  forth  her  leaves,  and  the  field 
yields  its  perfume  ;  the  mountains  and  hills 
break  forth  into  singing,  and  the  trees  of  the 
forest  clap  their  hands.  O  Lord  !  how  mani» 
fold  are  thy  works. 

We  bless  thee  for  the  beneficial  influences 
of  the  heavenly  bodies  ;  for  the  light  of  the 
9un,  and  th^  constant  revolution  of  the  sea^ 


sons,  and  all  the  rich  provisions  thou  hast 
made  for  our  present  support  and  delight. 
We  bless  thee  for  all  our  comforts  during  the 
inclemencies  of  the  winter^  which  is  now  past, 
for  all  the  pleasant  intercourse  of  domestic 
life^  and  the  kind  offices  of  mutual  friendship 
and  good  neighbourhood,  and  above  all  we  re- 
joice in  our  capacities  for  contemplating  thy 
glorious  works  with  emotions  of  religious 
praise  and  pleasure. 

Thou  art  now  sending  forth  thy  spirit,  and 
renewing  the  face  of  the  earth.  All  nature 
feels  thy  reanimating  power.  May  devotion 
invigorate  and  sanctify  the  labours  of  the  ap- 
proaching  season.  May  he  who  plougheth, 
plough  with  religious  hope.  May  he  who 
soweth,  rejoice  in  the  expectation  of  reaping. 
Give  us  rain  from  heaven,  and  a  fruitful  sea- 
son, and  fill  our  hearts  with  food  and  pious 
gladness. 

Above  all  we  beseech  thee  to  multiply  the 
spiritual  seed  of  divine  truth,  and  may  not  the 
wicked  one  catch  away  that  which  is  sown  in 
the  hearts  of  any.  Crown  with  success  both 
our  secular  and  spiritual  labours,  and  may  we 
reap  both  the  harvest  of  bread  and  the  fruits 
of  righteousness.  Give  us  neither  poverty 
nor  riches  ;  feed  us  with  food  convenient  for 
us.  By  our  spiritual  improvements  may  we 
be  like  unto  that  earth,  which,  drinking  in  the 
rain  that  cometh  oft  upon  it,  bringeth  forth 
herbs  meet  for  them  by  whom  it  is  dressed, 
andreceiveth  blessing  from  God  ;  and  not  like 
unto  that  which  beareth  thorns  and  briars,  is 
rejected,  and  nigh  unto  cursing,  whose  end  is 


93 

io  be  burnedi  Establish  us  in  every  good 
word  and  work^  and  unite  us  more  closely  to 
him  who  is  the  true  vine.  As  branches  iri 
him  wilt  thou  mercifully  spare  and  purge  us, 
and  may  we  glorify  thee,  'our  heavenly  father, 
by  bearing  much  fruit. 

To  thee,  O  Father !  the  husbandman,  by 
Jesus  Christ,  the  true  vine,  be  all  honour  and 
praise.     Amen, 


Third  Prayer^  adapted  for  Summer. 
Almighty  God,  the  creator  of  the  world, 
whose  eternal  power  and  supreme  dominion 
are  seen  by  the  things  which  are  made  !  We 
beseech  thee  to  seal  instruction  to  our  souls, 
by  the  prospects  of  the  present  season.  We 
Would  raise  our  thoughts  to  thee  by  whom  the 
sun  rises  in  pleasing  majesty,  and  in  his  daily 
course  diffuses  light  and  heat  over  the  world  ; 
by  whom  the  earth  is  overspread  with  trees, 
and  herbs,  and  flowers  ;  who  art  the  father 
of  the  former  and  latter  rain,  and  nightly  be- 
gettest  the  drops  of  the  dew.  We  adore  thee 
in  all  the  various  productions  of  the  earth 
which  thou  art  now  causing  to  advance  to  ma- 
turity for  the  support,  comfort,  and  delight  of 
thy  creatures.  We  desire  never  to  forget 
thine  hand  in  the  glorious  scene  in  which  we 
are  placed,  or  cease  to  derive  all  the  moral  in- 
struction  thy  works  convey.  Whilst  we 
gratefully  adore  thy  goodness  in  the  pleasant 
circumstances  of  this  present  life,  teach  us  to 
trust  in  thy  mercy  and  deliverance  when  ad- 
8* 


94 

versity  shall  overtake  us.  May  we  carry 
about  with  us  an  affecting  impression  of  this 
truth,  that  all  flesh  is  as  grass,  and  the  glory 
of  man  as  the  flower  of  grass.  Having  been 
planted  in  thy  vineyard,  may  we  bring  forth 
much  good  fruit,  so  that  finally  we  may  be 
numbered  with  the  trees  of  righteousness,  and 
plants  of  renown.  May  our  faith  grow  ex- 
ceedingly. O  grant  that  by  the  milk  of  thy 
word  and  speaking  the  truth  in  love,  we  may 
grow  up  unto  him  in  all  things  who  is  the 
head,  even  Christ.  Make  our  souls  as  a  wa- 
tered  garden.  There  may  charity  display 
her  graces  ;  hope  expand  her  wings  ;  and 
the  soil,  by  divine  cultivation,  yield  all  the 
peaceable  fruits   of  righteousness. 

We  bless  thee,  whose  works  as  well  as 
words  speak  thy  will,  for  the  confirmation 
which  the  season  affords  to  our  religious  faith. 
The  corn  of  wheat,  that  was  cast  into  the 
ground,  has  resumed  the  body  which  pleased 
thee.  We  will  inquire  no  more.  How  are 
the  dead  raised  up,  or  with  what  bodies  they 
come  ?  We  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  the 
peaceful  bow  in  the  clouds,  the  early  pledge 
of  thine  inviolable  fidelity,  and  repose  our- 
selves under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty. 

O  that  men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his 
goodness  and  wonderful  works  to  the  chil- 
dren of  men  !  Blessed  be  the  Lord  God  of 
Israel,  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  and 
let  all  people  say,  Amen, 


95 


Fourth  Prayer^  adapted  for  dutumn. 

O  THOU  who  cansest  the  grass  to  grow  for 
the  cattle,  and  herb  for  the  service  of  mau, 
making  the  earth  to  bring  forth  all  her  fruits 
in  their  season  !  We  bless  thee  for  the  rich 
provision  thou  hast  made  of  those  things  ne- 
cessary to  bodily  sustenance. 

Although  we  have  not  walked  in  all  thy 
statutes  and  kept  thy  commandments^  yet^  by 
thy  mercy,  the  land  has  yielded  her  increase^ 
and  the  trees  their  fruit  We  praise  thee  for 
the  blessings  of  harvest,  which  have  been  so 
abundantly  plenteous,  and  beseech  thee  to 
direct  us  in  the  temperate  and  frugal  use  of 
thy  various  bounties.  May  we  not  expose 
ourselves  to  the  accusation  of  wasting  thy 
goods,  nor  abuse  them  in  riotous  and  intem- 
perate living.  With  humble  thanks  we  would 
receive  and  enjoy  thy  gifts,  acknowledging  at 
the  same  time,  that  we  are  not  worthy  the 
crumbs  which  fall  from  the  table  of  thy  provi- 
dence. 

May  our  souls  be  impressed  with  divine  les- 
sons  from  the  prospects  of  the  season.  We 
have  been  planted  in  thy  vineyard.  We  have 
been  united  to  a  choice  vine ;  but  alas  !  we 
confess  with  shame  we  have  not  brought 
grapes  that  are  good,  but  wild  grapes ;  and 
thou  mightest  in  just  judgment  have  taken 
away  the  hedge,  broken  down  the  wall,  trod- 
den under  foot  thy  vineyard,  and  commanded 
the  clouds  no  more  to  rain  upon  it.  But  we 
are  witnesses  of  the  divine  forbearance  and 
patience.     Spare  us  of  thy  grace,  and  grant 


06 

us  another  season  to  bring  forth  fruit.  When 
thy  love  does  not  constrain  obedience,  may 
thy  terrors  persuade  ;  and  by  the  expectation 
of  the  harvest  in  the  end  of  the  world,  may 
we  be  awakened  to  sobriety,  diligence,  and 
watchfulness.     Amen. 


Fifth  Prayer^  adapted  for  the  Winter^ 

Inconceivably  great  and  glorious  Lord 
our  God  !  Before  the  mountains  were  brought 
forth,  or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the  earth  and 
the  world,  from  everlasting  to  everlasting  thou 
art  God.  The  things  which  our  eyes  behold 
shall  perish ;  but  thou  shalt  endure  :  they 
shall  be  changed  ;  but  thou  art  the  same,  and 
thy  years  shall  have  no  end.  Thou  art  call- 
ing us  at  this  time  to  witness  the  periodical 
decay  of  nature ;  yet  not  without  a  hope,  from 
the  immutability  of  thy  character  and  laws, 
that  there  will  be  a  renovation. 

In  the  order  of  thy  works  thou  art  now 
giving  snow  like  wool,  scattering  the  hoar- 
frost like  ashes,  and  sending  thy  cold,  before 
whom  none  can  stand.  With  devout  grati- 
tude we  retire  to  our  warm  habitations,  and 
solace  ourselves  with  the  unity  and  love  of 
our  domestic  retreats.  We  would  be  practic- 
ally mindful  of  our  brethren  who  may  inhabit 
the  cheerless  house  of  want.  Mty  not  our 
hearts  be  cold  when  we  see  the  naked,  nor 
our  hands  be  shut  against  the  hungry.  May 
the  loins  of  the  poor  every  where  bless  the 
rich,  and  may  prayer,  thanksgiving,  and  alms 


or 

unitedly  ascend  to  thee.  Appear  for  the  pro<^ 
tection  of  those,  who  are  coming  on  our  sea 
coast  at  this  dangerous  time  :  when  they  arc 
tossed  and  afflicted,  do  thou  deliver  them,  and 
bring  them  to  their  desired  haven. 

O  thou,  who  rulest  the  year  !  May  our  re- 
flections  on  the  season  carry  religious  lessons 
to  our  hearts.  We  would  adore  thy  incom- 
prehensible power,  which  ordains  in  their 
proper  order,  the  effects  we  now  behold. 
Thou  sendest  forth  thy  commandment  upon 
earth,  and  the  windy  storm  and  tempest  fulfil 
tliy  pleasure.  By  thee  the  waters  are  hid  as 
with  a  stone,  and  the  face  of  the  deep  is  frozen. 
The  hoary  frost  of  heaven,  who  hath  gender- 
ed it?  Have  we  entered  into  the  treasures  of 
snow  ?  All  is  the  work  of  thy  unsearchable 
wisdom,  and  almighty  strength.  We  desire 
to  be  filled  with  a  sense  of  thy  care  and  love, 
w  hen  we  consider  thy  multiplied  provisions 
for  the  support  and  comfort  of  man  and  beast, 
during  this  barren,  inclement  season.  We 
rejoice  before  thee  in  the  assurance  that  the 
elements  are  under  thy  control,  subject  to  thy 
invariable  laws  ;  and  that  in  the  appointed 
time,  thou  who  bindest  the  sweet  influences  of 
the  Pleiades,  wilt  loose  the  bands  of  Orion, 
renew  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  spread  life 
and  beauty  through  all  nature. 

O  thou  who  hast  given  senses,  reason,  and 
speech  to  man !  Preserve  us  from  misemploy- 
ing the  leisure  now  offfered  in  excessive  or 
hurtful  diversions  ;  but  may  we  use  it  for  cul- 
tivating our  minds,  examining  our  hearts,  and 
laying  up  stores  of  knowledge  and  goodness. 


98 

May  the  changes  of  the  year  lead  us  to  con- 
sider how  the  fashion  of  this  world  passeth 
away,  and  to  place  our  affections  on  thee^  the 
unchangeable  and  eternal  good. 

By  the  death  of  the  powers  of  nature,  thou 
warnest  us  to  remember  that  we  are  mortal  ; 
and  that  if  by  reason  of  strength  we  live 
many  years,  we  may  expect  old  age  to  be- 
numb  our  faculties,  and  destroy  our  activity. 
By  our  diligence  and  fidelity  in  youth  and 
manhood,  may  we  provide  comfortable  reflec- 
tions and  pleasing  hopes,  to  cheer  us  in  the 
days  of  infirmity  and  the  winter  of  life. 

Blessed  be  thy  name,  that  as  we  know  thou 
wilt  revive  the  decayed  plants  and  torpid  ani- 
mals^ and  make  the  fields,  now  desolate,  to 
rejoice,  so  thou  wilt  raise  from  the  dead  those 
who  sleep  in  Jesus  ;  that  this  mortal  may  put 
on  immortality,  and  this  coiTuptible  incorrupt 
tion.  Make  us  thy  upright  and  faithful  ser- 
vants  while  we  live,  that  we  may  die  in  peace^ 
and  rest  in  hope,  and  rise  in  glory,  through 
Jesus  Christy  the  prince  of  life.     Amen. 


Sixfh  Prayer^  adapted  to  the  Annual  Fast. 

Almighty  Saviour  of  men  ;  the  righteous 
Lord,  who  lovest  righteousness;  who  art  a 
consuming  fire  to  the  disobedient  and  impeni- 
tent, but  a  compassionate  father  to  such  as  re- 
pent and  turn  unto  thee  I  We  would  come  be- 
fore  thee  this  day  with  humble  confession  of 
sin  and  the  deepest  self  abasement,  beseech- 
ing thee  to  impress  on  our  minds  every  argu- 


99 

ttient  to  repentance  and  amendment,  and  to 
pour  out  on  our  land  the  spirit  of  prayer  and 
bumble  supplication. 

O  thou  supreme  director  in  the  affairs  of 
human  society  !  We  thank  thee  for  the  ad- 
vantages of  our  condition  ;  that  we  enjoy  lib- 
erty,  safety,  and  plenty;  that  we  do  not  groan 
under  the  miseries  of  tyranny,  bloodshed,  and 
ruin  ;  that  thou  hast  given  us  fruitful  seasons, 
and  preserved  us  from  famine,  pestilence,  and 
war.  Surely  the  lines  are  fallen  to  us  in 
pleasant  places,  and  we  have  a  goodly  herit- 
age. Yet  we  have  made  unworthy  returns 
for  thy  loving  kindness,  and  shewn  ourselves 
undeserving  of  thy  mercies.  We  lament  that 
plenty  has  been  abused  by  luxury,  and  liber- 
ty  by  licentiousness  ;  our  ease  and  safety  by 
strife,  envyings,  and  divisions.  We  lament 
that  so  little  of  the  power  of  godliness  is 
manifested  ;  that  so  many  restrain  prayer  be- 
fore thee;  and  after  all  the  expressions  of  thy 
will,  do  trample  on  the  sacred  authority  of 
thy  laws.  Surely  it  is  of  thy  mercy  that  we 
are  not  consumed ;  and  hadst  thou  rewarded 
us  according  to  our  iniquities,  we  had  before 
this  time  been  made  like  unto  Sodom  and 
Gomorrah. 

Awaken  us  to  a  sense  of  our  manifold  and 
repeated  provocations  ;  pardon  the  crying 
sins  of  our  nation  ;  forgive  all  who  humble 
themselves  before  thee  this  day,  and  spare 
thy  people.  Shew  us  the  things  which  belong 
to  our  peace  before  the  day  of  reconciliation 
be  past.  Fill  us  with  that  godly  sorrow  for 
sin  which  works  true  repentance*     May  we 


100 

no  longer  abuse  thy  merries,  but  keep  this 
clay  the  fast  thou  hast  chosen,  and  loosing 
every  band  of  wickedness,  become  a  peculiar 
people,  zealous  of  good  works,  so  that  thy 
displeasure  may  be  turned  away^  and  thou 
mayest  delight  to  build  us  up  and  not  destroy 
us. 

Grant,  we  beseech  thee,  this  day  healing 
mercy  unto  us  who  have  corrupted  our  man- 
ners;  who  have  been  indifferent  to  thy  wor- 
ship; neglected  the  interests  of  early  educa- 
tion; indulged  aspiritofwicked  animosity,  and 
made  no  suitable  resistance  to  the  inundation 
of  profaneness  and  immorality;  and  animate 
us  to  rise  and  join  with  one  heart  and  soul  in 
promoting  the  honour  of  thy  name,  the  inter- 
ests of  religion,  and  the  prosperity  and  hap- 
piness of  these  United  htates.  May  it  not 
any  longer  be  a  source  of  lamentation  to  the 
righteous  that  no  man  repents  of  his  wicked- 
ness, saying,  What  have  1  done  ?  May  every 
one  rent  his  heart  and  not  his  garment,  and 
keep  such  a  fast  as  thou  hast  chosen. 

Accept  the  humiliations  of  thy  people  this 
day,  send  answers  of  peace  to  their  humble 
supplications  :  but,  let  none  of  us  ever  think, 
that  by  such  days  service,  we  make  compen- 
sation for  past  transgressions,  or  obtain  dis- 
pensation to  continue  in  sin.  May  we  all  re- 
alize that  by  such  days  privileges  we  are  laid 
under  higher  obligations  to  keep  ourselves 
from  our  iniquity,  and  bring  forth  the  fruits  of 
righteousness  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God. 

O  thou,  who  rulest  in  the  kingdoms  of  men  1 
We  intercede  for  all  in  authority,  whether  in 


101 

church  or  state.  The  hearts  of  rulers  are  in 
thy  hands.  Restrain  their  evil  passions,  and 
bless  those  who  rule  over  men,  with  wisdom 
from  above,  which  is  first  pure  and  then 
peaceable.  May  all  their  consultations  and 
measures  contribute  to  the  stability  of  our 
times,  to  the  prosperity  of  all  conditions  of 
men,  to  the  welfare  of  our  children,  and  to  the 
spreading  of  thy  name  and  glory  in  the  earth. 
We  would  not  presume  ou  the  ardency  of  our 
prayers,  on  the  sorrow  of  our  minds,  or  the 
humiliation  of  our  bodies  ;  but  upon  thy  mer- 
cy to  repenting  and  returning  sinners  through 
Jesus  Christ. 

Universal  parent  and  governor  !  Be  mer- 
ciful to  the  whole  race  of  man  !  enlighten  all 
who  sit  in  darkness  and  error ;  send  forth  a 
spirit  of  peace  and  good  will ;  restrain  the 
violence  of  unreasonable  men  ;  exalt  the 
meek  ;  put  an  end  to  all  deception  ;  may  no 
weapon  formed  against  the  rights  of  men 
prosper;  multiply  the  patterns  of  christian 
virtue,  and  the  instruments  of  benefaction  to 
men  ;  extirpate  idolatry  ;  direct  all  flesh  to 
the  knowledge  of  thy  son  ;  and  may  thy  king- 
dom come,  and  will  be  done  on  earth,  as  in 
heaven.     Amen. 


103 


Seventh  Prayer^  adapted  to  the  .Annual 
Thanksgiving. 

O  THOU  who  art  good  unto  all,  who  exer- 
cisest  loviqg  kindness  in  all  the  earth,  and 
who  hast  come  nigh  to  us  by  Jesus  Christ,  thy 
son  !  It  is  thou  who  huldest  our  souls  in  life; 
who  givest  our  daily  bread,  health  in  our  ha- 
bitations and  peace  in  our  borders,  and  who 
crownest  the  year  with  thy  goodness  !  We 
desire  this  day,  with  affectionate  gratitude, 
to  recount  thy  mercies,  and  piously  to  ascribe 
honour  and  blessing,  glory  and  praise  to  Thee 
our  rock  and  fortress,  our  strength  and  re- 
deemer. We  would  rest  this  day  before  Thee, 
and  make  it  a  season  of  temperate  feasting 
and  religious  gladness. 

How  precious  have  been  thy  thoughts  unto 
us,  O  God  !  how  great  is  the  sum  of  them ! 
We  bless  thee  for  preserving  our  houses  from 
the  ravages  of  fire ;  for  all  the  health  and 
pleasure  we  have  enjoyed  in  them  ;  for  every 
portion  of  bread  vi^hich  has  given  strength  to 
our  bodies  ;  for  the  medicine  which  has  ar- 
rested the  progress  of  disease  ;  for  the  tear  of 
sympathy  which  has  comforted  under  trou- 
ble ;  for  divine  preservation  in  our  journies 
by  land  ;  for  prosperous  gales  on  the  ocean  ; 
for  exhilarating  showers  when  in  the  field  ; 
for  every  cheerful  sensation  when  alone  ;  for 
the  pleasures  of  friendly  intercourse;  lor  the 
benefits  of  good  neighborhood  ;  for  the  privi- 
leges of  public  worship  ;  for  the  mainte- 
nance   of  civil  order  ;   the   continuance  of 


103 

peace  ;  the  administration  of  justice  ;  for  eve- 
ry encouragement  to  well  doiug;  every  mani- 
festation of  useful  trutli  ;  and  for  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  our  condition. 

Wilt  thou  graciously  direct  us  to  a  right 
improvement  of  all  thy  mercies.  Preserve 
us  from  the  wicked  indulgence  of  fleshly 
lusts  ;  from  wasting  our  substance  in  riotous 
living.  May  we  enjoy  our  temporal  posses- 
sions with  temperance,  cheerfulness,  and  con- 
tentment. Protect  us  against  the  snares  of 
prosperity.  May  we  honour  thee  with  our 
substance,  be  rich  in  good  works,  and  duly  es- 
teem and  praise  thee,  the  rock  of  our  salvation. 

Perpetuate  our  privileges  both  private  and 
common;  continue  to  us  the  enjoyment  of  our 
civil  rights  ;  disappoint  the  devices  of  the 
crafty  :  prolong  the  days  and  usefulness  of 
those  public  men  under  whose  administration 
the  righteous  flourish,  who  cause  every  man 
to  sit  without  fear  under  his  vine  and  figtree, 
and  who  make  our  land  a  quiet  habitation* 
(^rant  peace,  order,  and  plenty  in  our  fami- 
lies, our  villages  and  towns,  and  throughout 
our  country.  Be  thou  a  sun  to  direct  all  in 
authority,  and  may  they  bear  rule  under  the 
influence  of  that  religious  fear  which  is  the 
beginning  of  wisdom.  Wilt  thou  bless  all 
fountains  of  useful  science  ;  heal  and  cleanse 
their  waters  ;  dispel  the  mists  of  ignorance  j 
arrest  the  progress  of  profanity  and  vice  ; 
make  the  people  of  our  land  humble  before 
thee  ;  peaceable  in  their  civil  and  social 
relations  ;  and  zealous  for  the  establishment 
of  liberty,  order,  and  truth.     May  we  not  by 


104 


our  ingratitude  ever  incur  that  censure,  1 
have  nourished  and  brought  up  children,  but 
they  have  rebelled  against  me. 

And  now  unto  the  Governor  among  the 
nations,  on  whom  their  safety  and  prosperity 
ultimately  depend  ;  unto  the  King  of  kings, 
and  Lord  of  lords,  be  glory  and  majesty-, 
dominion  and  power.     Amen. 


AN 

ADDRESS 


SPECTATOR  OF  THE  AWFUL  EXECUTION  OF  THE  PIRATES- 
IN  BOSTON, 

February  18,  1819. 

My  Friends, 

SO  exceedingly  rare  in  New  Englancf, 
through  the  great  mercy  of  God,  is  such  a 
scene  as  you  behold,  that  you  will  not  think 
it  strange,  if  many,  who  wish  well  to  man- 
kind,  are  desirous  of  rendering  it  infinitely 
beneficial  to  multitudes.  Suffer  me,  then,  to 
ask  your  serious  attention  to  a  few  thoughts, 
which  1  wish  to  be  impressed  on  my  own 
mind,  and  which  I  cannot  but  think  may  be 
usefully  impressed  on  yours. 

1.  Consider  the  unhappy  criminals. 

On  them  the  attention  of  this  numerous  as- 
sembly is  fixed,  their  awful  situation  now  ; 
their  past  life,  which  has  led  to  this  result; 
the  circumstances  of  their  atrocious  crimes  f 
their  behaviour  since  the  period  of  their  ap- 
prehension and  during  their  trial,  and  what- 
ever we  may  have  been  able  to  learn  of  th6ir 
conduct  since  they  were  condemned,  are  the 
principal  theme  of  reflection  and  conversation. 
They  are  men,  as  ourselves.  They  are  hast- 
igning  to  an  awful  eternity — to  the  bar  of  that 
Ciod^  who  is  ^^ angry  with  the  wicked  every 
9^ 


106 

day/^  and  whose  dreadful  denunciations 
against  the  impenitently  guilty  are  spread  on 
the  pages  of  his  holy  and  unerring  Word. 

My  friend,  pray  for  them  :  l^ift  up  your 
heart  to  God.  on  whose  mercy  you  too  are  de- 
pendent, that  He,  for  Christ's  sake — for  the 
sake  of  Him,  who  groaned,  and  bled,  and 
died,  that  sinners  might  be  saved — would 
have  mercy  upon  them  ;  and  that,  though 
they  have  been  condemned,  and  justly,  at  a 
human  tribunal,  they  may,  through  hearty  re- 
pentance and  a  lively  faith,  be  acquitted  of 
their  crimes  at  the  bar  of  Christ, on  the  ground 
of  trust  in  his  all-suflBcient  atonement. 

Pray  too  for  their  relatives  and  friends. 
At  the  birth  of  each  one  of  them,  their  affec- 
tionate parents  were  probably  filled  with  joy 
and  thankfulness.  Ah,  who  could  then  have 
foretold  this  hour?  Who  could  have  lacerated 
their  fond  hearts  by  painting  to  them  this 
scene  of  indescribable  anguish  ! 

They  have  had,  probably  they  now  have, 
friends.  Wherever  such  may  be  at  the  pres- 
ent  time,  yet  all  the  circumstances  of  their 
acquaintance  and  connexion  will  be  investi- 
gated at  the  bar  of  God.  Investigated,  do  I 
say  ?  Rather  let  me  say,  displayed  to  an  as- 
sembled world  by  that  Being,  who  knoweth 
at  all  times  the  state  of  every  heart.  Have 
these  men  been  enticed  to  sin  by  their  com- 
jrades  ?  Awful  now  is  the  result  of  such  per- 
nicious  friendships.  Have  they  themselves 
left  the  poisonous  sting  of  seductive  inter^ 
eoursein  the  bosoms  and  hearts  of  their  form- 
Bf  intimates?  What  woes  u»numbered  may 


107 

ensue  !  ^^One  sinner/^  says  the  sacred  word 
of  Grod,  ^Mestroyeth  much  good.*^  AVho  caa 
tell,  beside  Him,  who  seeth  the  end  from  the 
beginniug,  and  discerneth  effects  in  their 
causes  through  an  endless  eternitj,  the  influ- 
ence on  mankind  even  of  those  sins,  which, 
with  respect  to  these  unhappy  men,  are  now 
producing  the  bitter  fruits  of  death  ! 

S.  Consider  the  operation  of  the  laws. 

Without  them  no  security  could  attend  the 
enjoyment  of  any  of  the  blessings  of  life. 
They  are  absolutely  necessary  to  the  very 
existence  of  society.  Their  sanction  is  de- 
rived from  the  Great  Lawgiver  of  the  Uni- 
verse.  In  this  case,  it  is  his  authoritative 
word  which  says,  ''  Whoso  sheddeth  man's 
blood,  by  man  shall  his  blood  be  shed/^ 
Keverence  then,  in  silence,  the  n^ajesty  of  the 
laws — and  consider  that  the  existence  of  your 
comforts,  privileges  and  advantages  depends 
on  the  execution  of  them  even  to  the  exaction 
of  the  dread  forfeit  you  are  now  witnessing. 
Inculcate  also  a  strict  obedience  to  them  on 
all,  over  whom  you  have  influence. 

3,  Consider,  then,  more  particularly,  the 
interests  of  the  community. 

Every  citizen,  every  man,  has  his  duties  to 
perform,  and  an  influence  to  exert.  His  in- 
fluence ought  to  be  salutary  in  its  effects  on 
others.  Example  does  much,  even  more  than 
precept.  On  the  rising  generation  especially 
it  operates  with  peculiar  power.  The  young, 
indeed,  are  chiefly  formed  by  the  conduct  and 
example  of  those,  to  whom  they  loot  up  with 
rever^uce^  as   parents^,  ^uardians^  mast€i% 


108 

teachers,  and  friends.  From  their  conver- 
sation, their  advice,  their  precepts,  admoni- 
tions and  instructions  flows  the  character,  in 
a  great  measure,  of  the  generation  which  suc- 
ceeds thera.  Oh,  then,  let  the  influence  you 
exert  be  on  the  side  of  wholesome  laws,  pure 
morality,  and  (Jhristian  piety.  Let  the  young 
behold  in  you  the  example  of  deep,  serious,, 
practical  attention  to  whatever  things  are 
lovely,  pure,  just,  virtuous,  true,  and  of  good 
report.  Let  it  be  the  precious  consolation  of 
your  dying  hour,  that  your  example  and  in- 
fluence have  tended,  through  the  blessing  of 
God,  to  strengthen  the  hands  of  the  good,  and 
to  weaken  the  pernicious  influence  of  sin  ; 
that  your  friendship  has  been  a  treasure  of 
inestimable  worth  to  those,  who  enjoyed  it, 
and  that  none  shall  ever  lament  the  period 
when  first  they  knew  you  ;  but  multitudes 
have  reasDU  to  bless  your  memory,  when  yon 
have  sunk  to  the  grave — none  to  blush  w  hen 
addressed  as  your  acquaintance,  friend,  or 
relative. 

4.  If  you  are  a  parent,  consider,  1  beseech 
you,  your  children. 

They  are  a  precious  part  of  your  very  self. 
For  their  welfare  you  have  already  thought 
and  perhaps  laboured  much.  Are  you  not 
anxious  to  save  them  from  the  stings  of  self- 
reproach,  from  the  displeasure  of  the  good, 
from  the  animadversion  of  the  laws,  from  the 
punishments  of  the  wicked  in  this  world  and 
the  next?  1  cannot  for  a  moment  doubt  it. 
It  would  be  unnatural — it  would  be  mon. 
strous — that  you  should  uot  be  anxious  to 


109 

save  them  from  these  evils.  You  cannot  bear 
the  idea,  that  they,  whom  you  so  much  love, 
at  whose  birth  you  were  so  thankful,  over 
whom  you  have  so  often  breathed,  as  I  would 
charitably  hope,  the  fervent  prayer  to  God — 
for  their  lives,  their  health,  th.eir  happiness 
and  usefulness  in  the  world — that  these 
should  be  justly  sentenced  to  die  by  a 
hangman  !  Grod  forbid  !  you  exclaim.  iio 
home,  then,  and  bring  them  up  for  (xod. 

It  is  possible  this  most  important  work  has 
been  awfully  neglected.  Oh  let  it  be  neg- 
lected no  longer  !  Your  children  have  a  world 
of  sin  to  pass  through — and  scenes  of  trial. 
If  they  be  not  well  grounded  in  good  prin- 
ciplesj  think  of  their  awful  hazard  and  dan- 
ger. Temptations  will  assail  them.  How 
shall  temptation  be  repelled,  if  the  mind  be 
not  early  established  and  well  principled? 
Delay  not,  then,  to  enter  heartily  on  the  task, 
feeek  wisdom  and  grace  from  the  Giver  of 
every  good  gift — and  see  that  you  employ  his 
gift  to  advance  his  glory,  and  the  holy  pur- 
poses of  his  infinite  wisdom.  He  has  con- 
stituted you  the  guardian,  as  well  as  the 
parent  of  your  children,  and  it  is  his  will,  that 
you  should  ^Urain  them  up  in  the  way  in 
which  they  should  go/^ 

Let  them  have  occupation.  Idleness  is  the 
inlet  of  all  vice.  Industry,  in  any  useful 
business  whatever,  assists  the  government  of 
the  thoughts  and  passions.  Industry  is  the 
parent  of  virtue, usefulness  and  respectability. 
If  you  would  have  your  children  become  bless- 
ings to  themselves  and  others;  and  to  your- 


MO 

self  especially,*teach  them  by  precept  and  ex- 
ample to  be  industrious.     Therefore, 

Put  them  early  to  school,  and  keep  them 
habitually  there.  Are  they  at  the  period  of 
life,  above  all,  most  proper  to  form  the  char- 
acter? Let  it  be  formed  by  the  instructions 
which  are  so  liberally  bestowed  at  the  pres- 
ent day  on  tlie  rising  generation.  Place 
God^s  word  before  them.  Initiate  them  early 
into  its  sacred  truths,  and  let  its  pages  direct 
them  continually.     Especially, 

Teach  them  to  reverence  the  Lord's  day. 
It  is  instituted  to  subserve  the  best  interests 
of  man.  Its  observation  is  ever  attended 
with  benefit,  for  even  '^  in  the  keeping  of 
Grod's  commandments  there  is  a  great  re- 
ward.^'  And  this  institution  is  as  merciful, 
as  it  is  wise.  On  that  day  encourage  reli- 
gious employment  at  home,  as  well  as  an  at- 
tendance abroad  on  the  public  worship. 
Give  your  dear  children  the  wholesome  in- 
struction, which  is  appropriate  to  the  Chris- 
tian  Sabbath,  and  has  the  sanction  of  the 
authority  of  God.  Or,  if  you  be  hindered  in 
doing  this  yourself,  or  feel  an  inability — be 
thankful  for  the  wise  and  salutary  establish- 
ment of  Sabbath  Schools,  and  at  least  send 
your  children  punctually  thither.  And  be 
assured,  that  what  is  taught  them  there  will 
strengthen  your  authority  at  home,  and  favor- 
ably affect  the  peace  and  welfare  of  your 
family,  as  well  as  advance  the  knowledge 
and  promote  the  happiness  of  your  children. 
Watch  over  them,  then,  and  pray  for  them 
and  with  them — that  God,  to  secure  you  from 


Ill 

sorrow  on  their  account,  would  keep  them 
from  sin,  and  give  you  ^^  grace  to  be  faithful.*' 
Instead  then  of  being  hung  out  as  beacons  to 
give  warning  to  men,  and  terrify  them  from 
vicious  courses,  they  will  be,  thrciugh  the 
divine  blessing,  your  joy  and  crown. 

Lastly,  consider  yourself. 

You  have  an  immortal  soul,  and  are  now 
and  ever  will  be  under  the  government  and 
control  of  a  holy,  almighty  God.  You  are  a 
probationer  for  eternity — and  its  dread  awards 
even  now  await  you.  To  you  the  Vlost  High 
has  given  His  law,  commanded  his  covenant, 
and  oflFered  His  precious  salvation,  through 
the  atoning  blood  of  His  Hon.  His  mercy 
you  need  for  the  pardon  of  your  sins,  for  you 
have  broken  His  law,  and  stand  before  VLixr^ 
most  justly  condemned  ! 

Have  you,  my  friend,  already  fled  for  re- 
fuge to  Christ?  then  you  have  already  known 
^^  the  plague  of  your  heart,''  and  obtained  its 
remedy.  Think,  then,  with  renewe  I  grat- 
itude,  1  conjure  you,  on  the  mercy  you  have 
experienced.  Think  who  and  what  have 
made  you  to  diflFer  from  the  unhappy  crimin- 
als you  now  behold  launching  into  an  un- 
tried eternity.  Considering  your  great  ad- 
vantages, your  sin  may  have  been,  perhaps, 
as  odious  in  the  sight  of  God,  as  theirs.  He 
alone  has  been  conscious  to  all  the  secret 
guilt  of  your  vile  heart.  Over  its  vileness 
you  have  indeed  often  mourned,  and  oftea 
have  deprecated,  in  the  name  of  your  liedeem- 
er,  that  wrath,  which  is  revealed  from  heaven 
against  all  ungodliness.     Let  your  life,  then^ 


lis 

friend  and  brother,  prove  that  you  are 
^*  bought  with  a  priee/^  and  are  no  longer 
^^your  own/'  but  Christ's.  Heek  His  glory 
while  yet  you  live,  and  let  your  light  so 
shine,  as  to  honor  the  cause  you  have  espous- 
ed, to  advance  the  salvation  of  your  fellow- 
sinners,  who  are  yet  ''  in  the  gall  of  bitter- 
ness and  bond  of  iniquity/^  and  to  promote 
the  praise  of  Him,  who  called  you  from  dark- 
ness to  light  for  the  very  purpose,  plucking, 
you  as   ^'a  brand  from  tlie  burning.^' 

But,  perhaps,  yoii^  who  read  these  lines  of 
exhortation,  dictated  l)y  an  affi  ctionate  wish 
to  do  you  good — forever  ! — are  even  yet  lying 
under  the  condemnation  of  God's  broken  law, 
and  are  still  unreconciled  to  Him. 

My  friend  your  state  is  hazardous  beyond 
your  conception.  There  may  be  but  a  step 
between  you  and  dea  h.  You  witness  fellow- 
sinners  hurried  by  a  judicial  sentence  of  man 
to  eternity — Oh,  consider  !  already  the  man- 
date of  your  Judge  may  have  gone  forth; 
^'this  ni^ht  thyroid  maybe  required  ofTiiKh:.^^ 
Should  it  be  the  case,  and  you  have  no  fur- 
ther reprieve,  how  will  you  appear  before 
God  !  Time,  talents,  privileges,  warnings, 
advice,  exhortations  and  instructions  have 
been  all  wasted  upon  you.  God  has  called, 
and  you  have  refused  Him  a  hearing.  His 
ministers  have  called,  and  you  have  disregard- 
ed their  entreaties.  Your  own  conscience  has 
called,  but  you  have  stifled  her  voice.  May 
God  in  mercy  grant,  that  you  be  not  found 
impenitent,  when  He  summons  you  away  !  1 
have  done. 


MEDITATIONS 

SELECTED  FROM  THE  WORKS  OF  THE  REV.  JOHN  FLAVEL. 

HUSBANDRY  SPIRITUALIZED. 

Upon  the  early  singing  of  birds. 

HOW  am  I  reproved  of  sluggishness 
by  these  watchful  birds  !  which  cheerfully 
entertain  the  very  dawning  of  the  morning 
with  their  cheerful  and  delightful  warblings  ! 
They  set  their  little  spirits  all  at  work  betimes, 
whilst  my  nobler  spirits  are  bound  with  the 
bonds  of  soft  and  downy  slumbers.  For 
shame,  my  soul !  suffer  not  that  publican  sleep 
to  seize  so  much  of  thy  time,  yea,  thy  best 
and  freshest  time  ;  reprove  and  chide  thy 
sluggish  body,  as  a  good  bishop  once  did, 
when,  upon  the  same  occasion,  he  said, 

The  early  chirping  sparrows  may  reprove, 
Such  lazy  bishops  as  their  beds  do  love. 

Of  many  sluggards  it  may  be  said,  as  Tully 
said  of  Verres,  the  deputy  of  Sicily,  that  he 
never  saw  the  sun  rising,  being  in  bed  after, 
nor  setting,  being  in  bed  before. 

It  is  pity  that  Christians,  of  all  men,  should 
suffer  sleep  to  cut  such  large  thongs  out  of  so 
narrow  a  hide,  as  their  time  on  earth  is.  But, 
alas  !  it  is  not  so  much  early  rising,  as  a  wise 
improving  those  fresh  and  free  hours  with 
God,  that  will  enrich  the  soul  ;  else,  as  cur 
10 


114 

proverb  saith,  *Zf  man  may  be  early  iip^  and 
never  the  nearer ;  yea,  far  better  it  is  to  be 
found  in  bed  sleeping,  than  to  be  up  doing 
nothing,  or  that  which  is  worse  than  nothing. 
O  my  soul!  learn  to  prepossess  thyself  every 
morning  with  the  thoughts  of  God,  and  suffer 
not  those  fresh  and  sweet  operations  of  thy 
mind  to  be  prostituted  to  earthly  things  ;  for 
that  is  experimentally  true,  which  one,  in 
this  case,  hath  pertinently  observed,  that  if 
the  world  get  the  start  of  religion  in  the 
morning,  it  will  be  hard  for  religion  to  over- 
take it  all  the  day  after. 


Upon  the  haltering  of  birds^  with  a  grain  of 
hair. 
OBSERVINGr,  in  a  snowy  season,  how 
the  poor  hungry  birds  were  haltered  and 
drawn  in  by  a  grain  of  hair  cunningly  cast 
over  their  heads,  whilst,  poor  creatures,  they 
were  busily  feeding,  and  suspected  no  danger; 
and  even  whilst  their  companions  were  drawn 
away  from  them,  one  after  another,  all  the  in- 
terruption it  gave  the  rest,  was  only  for  a 
minute  or  two,  w  hilst  they  stood  peeping  into 
that  hole  through  which  their  companions 
w  ere  drawn,  and  then  fell  to  their  meat  again 
as  busily  as  before ;  I  could  not  chuse  but 
say,  ^^Kven  thus  surprisingly  doth  death 
^^steal  upon  the  children  of  men,  whilst  they 
^^are  wholly  intent  upon  the  cares  and  plea- 
^^sures  of  this  life,  not  at  all  suspecting  its  so 
*^near  approach/^  These  birds  saw  not  the 
hand  that  ensnared  them,  nor  do  they  see  the 


113 

hand  of  death  plucking  them  one  after  anoth- 
er  into  the  grave. 

*' Death's  steps  as  swift,  and  yet  no  noise  it  makes  ; 
"Its  hand  unseen,  but  yet  most  surely  takes." 

And  even  as  the  surviving  birds  for  a  little 
time  seemed  to  stand  affrighted,  peeping  after 
their  companions,  and  then  as  busy  as  ever  to 
their  meat  again  :  just  so  it  fares  with  the 
careless,  inconsiderate  world,  who  see  others 
daily  dropping  into  eternity  round  about  them, 
and  for  the  present  are  a  little  startled,  and 
will  look  into  the  grave  after  their  neighbors, 
and  then  fall  as  busily  to  their  earthly  employ- 
ments and  pleasures  again,  as  ever,  till  their 
own  turn  comes. 

1  know,  my  God,  that  I  must  die  as  well  as 
others  ;  but  O  let  me  not  die  as  others  do,  let 
me  see  death  before  I  feel  it,  and  conquer  it 
before  it  kill  me  ;  let  it  not  come  as  an  enemy 
upon  my  back,  but  rather  let  me  meet  it  as  a 
friend,  half  way.  l)ie  1  must,  but  let  me  lay 
up  that  good  treasure  before  1  go,  carry  with 
me  a  good  conscience,  and  leave  behind  me  a 
good  example  when  I  am  gone,  and  then  let 
death  come,  and  welcome. 


Upon  the  strange  means  of  preserving  the 
life  of  vegetables. 

I  OBSERV^E  that  plants  and  herbs  are 
sometimes  killed  by  frost,  and  yet  without 
frost  they  would  neither  live  nor  thrive  :  they 
are  sometimes  drowned  with  water,  and  yet 
without  water  they  cannot  subsist  j  They  are 


116 

refreshed  and  cheered  by  the  heat  of  the  sun^ 
and  yet  that  sun  sometimes  kills  and  scorches 
them  up.  Thus  lives  my  soul :  Troubles  and 
afflictions  seem  to  kill  all  its  comforts;  and 
yet  without  these,  its  comforts  could  not  live. 
The  sun-blasts  of  prosperity  sometimes  re- 
fresh me,  and  yet  those  sun-blasts  are  the 
likeliest  way  to  wither  me:  By  what  seem- 
iiig  contradictions  is  the  life  of  ray  spirit  pre- 
served !  what  a  mystery,  what  a  paradox  is 
the  life  of  a  Christian. 

Welcome,  my  health,  this   sickness   makes 
me  well. 

Med'cines  adieu. 
When  with  diseases  I  have  list  to  dwell, 

FU  wish  for  you. 
Welcome,  my  strength,  this  weakness  makes 
nie  able. 

Pov/ers  adieu. 
When  I  am  weary  grown  of  standing  stable, 

I'll  wish  for  you. 
Welcome,  my  wealth,  this  loss  hath  gained 
me  more. 

Riches  adieu. 
When  1  again  grow  greedy  to  be  poor, 

Fll  wish  for  you. 
Welcome,  my  credit,  this  disgrace  is  glory. 

Honors  adieu. 
When  for  renown  and  fame  I  shall  be  sorry, 

Fll  wish  for  you. 
Welcome  content,  this  sorrow  is  my  joy. 

Pleasures  adieu. 
When  I  desire  such  griefs  as  may  annoy, 

Fll  wish  for  you. 


117 

BTealth,  strength^  and  riches,  credit  and  con- 
tent, 

Arc  spared  best  sometimes  when  Ihey  are 
spent. 

Sickness  and  weakness,  loss,  disgrace  and 
sorrow, 

Lend  most  sometimes,  when  most  they  seem 
to  borrow. 

And  if  by  these  contrary  a^ad  improbable 
ways  the  Lord  preserves  our  souls  in  life,  no 
marvel  then  we  find  such  strange  and  seem- 
ingly contradictory  motions  of  our  hearts,  un- 
der the  various  dealings  of  God  with  us,  and 
are  still  restless,  in  what  condition  soever  he 
puts  us  ;  whicli  restless  frame  was  excellently 
expressed  in  that  pious  epigram  of  the  rever- 
end Gataker,  made  a  little  before  his  death, 

I  thirst  for  thirstiness,  I  weep  for  tears, 

Well  pleasM  I  am  to  be  displeased  thus  : 
The  only  thing  1  fear,  is  want  of  fears, 

Suspecting  1  am  not  suspicious, 

I  cannot  chuse  but  live,  because  I  die  ; 

And  when  I  am  not  dead,  how  glad  am  I  ? 
Yet  when  1  am  thus  glad  for  sense  of  pain. 

And  careful  am,  lest  I  should  careless  be  ; 
Then  do  I  grieve  for  being  glad  again. 

And  fear,  lest  carefulness  take  care  for  me. 

Amidst  these  restless  thoughts  this  rest  I 
find, 

Jfor  those  that  rest  not  here,  there'sr  resfc 
behind. 


1£8 

Upo7i  the  love  of  a  dog  to  his  master. 

HOW  many  a  weary  step,  through  mire 
and  dirt,  hath  this  poor  dog  followed  my 
horse's  heels  to  day,  and  all  this  for  a  poor 
reward  ?  for  all  he  gets  by  it  at  night  (is  of- 
tentimes by  thoughtless  servants)  being  drove 
away  with  kicks,  blows  and  bones,  yet  he 
will  not  leave  my  company,  but  is  content 
upon  such  hard  terms,  to  travel  with  me  from 
day  to  day. 

O  my  soul  !  what  conviction  and  shame 
may  this  leave  upon  thee,  who  art  oftentimes^ 
even  weary  of  following  thy  master,  Christ, 
whose  rew  ards  and  encouragements  of  obedi- 
ence  are  so  incomparably  sweet  and  sure  !  I 
cannot  beat  back  this  dog  from  following  me, 
but  every  inconsiderable  trouble  is  enough  to 
discourage  me  in  the  way  of  my  duty,  iiea- 
dy  I  am  to  resolve  as  that  scribe  did.  Matt, 
viii.  19.  ^^ Master,  I  will  follow^  thee  whither- 
<^^soever  thou  goest;''  but  how  doth  my  heart 
faulter,  w  hen  I  must  encounter  with  the  diffi- 
culties  of  the  way?  Oh!  let  me  make  a  whole 
heart- choice  of  Christ  for  my  portion  and  hap- 
piness !  and  then  I  shall  never  leave  him,  nor 
turn  back  from  following  him,  though  the 
present  difSculties  w  ere  much  more,  and  the 
present  encouragements  much  less. 


Upon  the  catching  of  a  horse  in  a  fat  pas- 
ture. 
WHEN  this  horar^was  kept  in  poor  short 
lees^  where  he  had  much  scope,  but  little  grass, 
how  gentle  and  tractable  was  he  then?  He 


119 

would  not  only  stand  quiet  to  be  taken,  but 
come  to  band  of  his  own  accord,  and  follow 
ine  up  and  down  the  field  for  a  crust  of  breads 
or  handful  of  oats  ;  but  since  I  turned  him 
into  this  fat  pasture,  he  comes  no  more  to  me, 
nor  will  suffer  me  to  come  near  him,  but  throws 
up  his  heels  wantonly  against  me,  and  fliea 
from  me,  as  if  I  was  rather  his  enemy  than 
benefactor.  In  this  I  behold  the  carriage  of 
my  own  heart  towards  God,  who  the  more  he 
hath  done  for  me,  the  seldomer  doth  he  hear 
from  me  ;  in  a  low  and  afflicted  state,  how 
tractable  is  my  heart  to  duty?  Then  it  comes 
to  the  foot  of  God  voluntarily.  But  in  an 
exalted  condition,  how  wildly  doth  my  heart 
turn  from  God  and  duty  ?  With  this  ungrate-^ 
ful  requital  God  faulted  his  own  people,  Jer. 
iii.  1.  teachable  and  tractable  in  the  wilder^ 
ness,  but  when  fatted  in  that  rich  pasture  of 
Canaan,  "Then  we  are  lords,  we  will  come 
"no  more  to  thee.^^  How  soon  are  all  God^s 
former  benefits  forgotten  ?  And  how  often  is 
that  ancient  observation  verified,  even  in  his 
own  people  ? 

"  No  sooner  do  we  gifts  on  some  bestow, 
"  But  presently  our  gifts  grej-headed  grow." 

But  that  is  a  bad  tenant,  that  will  maintain 
a  suit  at  law  against  his  landlord  with  his  own 
rent ;  and  a  bad  heart,  that  will  fight  against 
God  with  his  own  mercies^.  1  wish  it  may  be 
with  my  heart,  as  it  is  reported  to  be  with  the 
waters  in  the  kingdom  of  Congo,  that  are 
never  so  sweet  to  the  taste,  as  when  the  tide 
is  at  the  highest. 


120 


Upon  the  hard  Labor  and  cruel  Usage  of 
Beasts. 

When  under  loads,  your  beasts  do  groan,  think  then 
How  great  a  mercy  'tis  that  you  are  men. 

OBSERVATION. 
THOUGH  some  men  are  very  careful 
and  tender  over  their  beasts  ;  yet  others  are 
cruel  and  merciless  towards  them,  not  regard- 
ing how  they  ride  or  burden  them.  How  oftea 
have  I  &tt\\  them  fainting  under  their  loads,, 
wrought  off  their  legs,  and  turned  out  with 
galled  backs,  into  the  fields  or  high-ways  to 
shift  for  a  little  grass;  many  times  I  have 
heard  and  pitied  them,  groaning  under  unrea- 
sonable burdens,  and  beaten  on  by  merciless 
drivers,  till  at  last,  by  such  cruel  usage,  they 
have  been  destroyed. 

APPLICATION. 

Such  sights  as  these  should  make  us 
thankful  for  the  mercy  of  our  creation,  and 
bless  our  bountiful  Creator,  that  we  were 
not  made  such  creatures. 

Man  was  made  for  nobler  ends,  created 
lord  of  the  lower  world  ;  not  to  serve,  but  to 
be  served  by  other  creatures  ;  a  mercy  that 
should  melt  the  hardest  heart  into  thankful- 
ness. I  remember,  Luther  pressing  men  to  be 
thankful,  that  they  are  not  brought  into  the 
lowest  condition  of  creatures,  and  to  bless 
God  that  they  can  see  any  creature  below 
themselves,  gives  us  a  famous  instance  iu  the 
.following  story:    Two  Cardinals p  saith  he^ 


121 

riding  in  a  great  deal  of  pomp  to  the  council 
of  Constance,  by  the  way  they  heard  a  man 
in  the  fields,  weeping  and  wailing  bitterly  ; 
they  rode  to  him,  and  ask'd  him  what  he 
ailed  ?  Perceiving  his  eye  intently  fixed  upon 
an  ugly  toad,  he  told  them  that  his  heart  melt- 
ed with  the  consideration  of  this  mercy,  that 
God  had  not  made  him  sue!)  a  deformed  and 
loathsome  creature,  being  formed  out  of  the 
same  clay  :  this  is  that  w  hich  makes  me  w  eep 
bitterly.  Whereupon  one  of  the  Cardinals 
observed,  the  unlearned  will  rise  and  take 
heaven,  when  we  with  all  our  learning  shall 
be  thrust  into  ^^  outer  darkness. ^^  That 
w  hich  melted  the  heart  of  this  poor  man, 
should  melt  every  heart  when  we  behold  the 
misery  to  which  these  poor  creatures  are  sub- 
jected. And  this  w^ill  appear  a  mercy  of  no 
slight  consideration,  if  we  but  draw  a  com- 
parison betwixt  ourselves  and  these  irrational 
creatures,  in  these  three  particulars. 

i.  Though  they  and  we  were  made  of  the 
same  mould  and  clay,  j'et  how  much  better 
hath  God  dealt  with  us,  even  as  to  the  outward 
man  ?  The  structure  of  our  bodies  is  much 
more  excellent ;  God  made  other  good  crea- 
tures by  a  word  of  command,  but  man  by 
counsel ;  it  was  not,  Be  thou,  but,  Let  lis 
make  man.  We  might  have  been  made  stones 
without  sense,  or  beasts  without  reason,  but 
we  were  made  men.  The  noble  structure 
and  symmetry  of  our  bodies  invites  our  souls 
not  only  to  thankfulness  but  admiration. 
Galen  gave  Epicurus  one  year's  time  to  im- 
agine a  more  commodious  situation^  configura- 


1^2 

tion,  or  composition  of  any  one  part  of  a  hu- 
man body  ;  and  (as  one  saith)  if  all  the  angels 
in  heaven  had  studied  to  this  day,  they  could 
not  have  cast  the  body  of  man  into  a  more 
curious  mould, 

3.  In  reference  to  beasts,  oftentimes  they 
have  little  rest  or  ease,  and  live  but  a  few 
years,  and  those  they  do,  are  in  bondage  and 
misery,  groaning  under  the  effects  of  others 
sin  ;  but  God  liath  provided  better  for  us, 
even  as  to  our  outward  condition  in  the 
world  ;  we  have  the  more  rest,  because  they 
have  so  little.  How  many  refreshments 
and  comforts  hath  God  provided  for  us,  of 
which  they  are  uncapable  ?  If  we  be  weary 
with  labor,  we  can  take  our  rest ;  but  fresh 
or  weary,  they  must  stand  to  it,  or  sink  under 
it  from  day  to  day, 

3.  What  a  narrow  capacity  hath  God  given 
to  beasts  !  What  a  large  capacity  to  man  ! 
they  only  are  capable  of  a  little  sensitive 
pleasure,  by  a  little  frisking  in  a  green  pas- 
ture, which  is  all  they  are  capable  of  :  but 
how  comprehensive  are  our  souls  in  their 
capacities  ?  being  made  in  the  image  of  God, 
and  thereby  can  look  beyond  present  things, 
capable  of  the  highest  happiness,  and  that  to 
all  eternity.  The  soul  of  a  beast  is  but  a 
material  form,  and  dies  with  the  body  ;  but 
our  souls  are  a  divine  spark,  and  subsists  even 
in  its  separate  state. 

4.  To  reflect,  how  great  a  sin  is  ingratitude 
to  God,  for  such  a  common,  but  choice  mercy 
of  creation  and  provision  for  us  in  this  world? 


123 

There  is  no  creature  made  worse  by  kindness, 
but  man.  Kven  the  beasts  acknowledge  in 
their  way  their  benefactors  ;  ^'  The  ox  knows 
his  owner,  and  the  ass  his  master's  crib/'  &c. 
O  that  we  might  consider  seriously  what  the 
higher  and  more  excellent  end  of  our  creation 
is,  and  endeavor  to  live  up  to  it.  If  other- 
wise it  will  be  worse  with  us  than  the  beasts, 
though  they  are  under  bondage  and  misery, 
it  is  but  for  a  short  time,  death  will  ease  them 
of  tlieir  burdens,  but  we  shall  suJQTer  (unless 
we  repent)  a  heavier  burden  than  ever  they 
felt,  having  no  account  to  give. 

5.  But  those  who  devote  their  lives  in  grat- 
itude  and  thankfulness,  their  ascriptions  will 
ascend  in  the  presence  of  God,  for  the  many 
mercies  they  receive ;  for  the  light  and  knowl- 
edge of  the  great  things  of  the  gospel,  which 
gives  them  a  hope  of  inconceivable  glory  and 
felicity  in  the  world  to  come. 

THE  POEM. 

WHEN  I  behold  a  tired  horse  put  on 
With  whip  and  spur,  till  all  his  strength  be  gone: 
See  streams  of  sweat  run  down  his  bleeding  sides. 
How  little  mercy's  shewn  by  him  who  rides. 
If  I  more  thankful  to  my  God  would  prove 
Than  such  a  rider  merciless,  'twill  move 
My  soul  to  praise  :  For  who  sees  this,  and  can 
But  bless  the  Lord  that  he  was  made  a  man. 
And  such  a  sight  the  rider  ought  to  move 
This  meditation  duly  to  improve. 
W^hat  hath  this  creature  done,  that  he  should  be 
Thus  beaten,  wounded,  and  tir'd  out  by  me  ? 


He  is  my  fellow-ereatnre ;  'tig  mere  grace 

I  had  not  been  in  his,  he  in  my  case. 

Ungratefu^l,  stupid  man  !  God  might  have  made 

Me  bear  the  saddle,  as  I  see  this  jade. 

He  never  sinn'd,  but  for  my  sin  doth  lie 

Subjected  unto  all  this  misery. 

Xiord,  make  my  heart  relent,  that  I  should  be 

To  thee  more  useless,  than  my  horse  to  me  : 

He  did  his  utmost,  went  as  long  as  ever 

His  legs  could  bear  him  ;  but  for  me,  I  never 

Thus  spent  my  strength  for  God,  but  oft  have  been 

Too  prodigal  thereoHn  ways  of  sin. 

Though  he's  tlie  horse,  and  I  the  man,  'twill  be 

Far  better  with  my  horse  one  day  than  me : 

Unless  thy  grace  prevent  and  superadd 

A  new  creation  unto  that  I  had. 

Could  every  rider  fix  a  serious  thought 

On  such  a  subject,  and  be  hereby  taught 

To  spiritualize  it,  and  improve  it  thus  ; 

How  sweet  would  tedious  journeys  be  to  us  I 

But  such  a  task,  a  graceless  heart  tires  out, 

More  than  the  tired  horse  1  write  about. 


NAVIGATION  SPIRITUALIZED, 

VARIED. 


CHAP.  I. 

In  the  vast  ocean  spiritual  eyes  descry 
God's  boundless  mercy  and  eternity. 

OBSERVATION. 

THE  ocean  is  of  a  vast  extent  and  depth, 
though  supposedly  measurable,  yet  not  to  be 
sounded  by  man.  It  compasseth  about  the 
whole  earth,  which,  in  the  account  of  geog- 
raphers,  is  twenty-one  thousand  and  six  hun- 
dred miles  in  compass  ;  yet  the  ocean  envi- 
rons it  on  every  side.     Tlie  poet  observes, 

He  spread  the  sea,  which  when  he  did  command, 
To  swell  with  winds,  and  compass  round  the  land. 

And  for  its  depth,  who  can  discover  it  ?  Th^ 
sea  in  scripture  is  called  the  deep.  The 
gathering  together  of  the  waters  in  one  place. 
Gen.  i.  9.  If  the  vastest  mountain  were  cast 
into  it,  it  would  appear  no  more  than  the  head 
of  a  pin  in  a  ton  of  water. 

APPLICATION. 
This,  in  a  lively  manner,  shows  forth  the 
infinite  and  incomprehensible  mercy  of  our 
God,  which  is  said  to  be  over  all  his  works. 
High  as  the  heavens  above  the  earth,  which 
are  so  high  and  vast,  that  the  whole  earth  is 
but  a  small  point  to  them.  His  mercies  (like 
the  depth  of  the  sea)  can  swallow  up  moun- 
11 


126 

tains  as  well  as  mole  hills  ;  refer  to  the  scrip- 
tures  respecting  Manasseh^  Paul^  and  many 
others.  It  has  invited  fornicators,  idolaters, 
covetous,  drunkards,  those  to  whom  the  spirit 
of  God  aims  at,  if  they  will  submit  to  the 
terms,  on  which  his  mercy  is  tendered. 

In  the  vastness  of  the  ocean,  we  have  also 
a  lively  emblem  of  eternity.  Who  can  com- 
prehend  or  measure  the  ocean  but  God  ?  And 
who  can  comprehend  eternity,  but  He  that  is 
said  to  inhabit  it  ?  Though  shallow  rivers 
may  be  drained  and  dried  up,  yet  the  ocean 
cannot.  And  though  these  transitory  days, 
months,  and  years  will  at  last  expire,  and 
determine  ;  yet  eternity  shall  not.  O  !  it  is 
a  long  word  !  and  amazing  matter  !  what  is 
eternity,  but  a  constant  permanency  of  persons 
and  things,  in  one  and  the  same  state  and 
condition  for  ever  ;  putting  them  beyond  all 
possibility  of  change  ?  The  heathens  used 
to  compare  it  by  a  circle,  or  a  snake  twisted 
round.  It  will  be  therefore  to  us  all,  either 
a  perpetual  day  or  night,  which  cannot  be 
measured,  so  neithef  can  it  be  diminished. 
When  thousands  of  years  are  gone,  there  is 
not  a  minute  lesa  to  come.  Drexelius  illus- 
trates it  by  this  similitude  :  Suppose^  a  bird 
was  to  come  once  in  a  thousand  years  to  some 
vast  mountain  of  sand,  and  carry  away  in  her 
bill  one  sand  in  a  thousand  years  ;  O  what  a 
vast  time  would  it  be  e'er  that  immortal  bird, 
after  that  rate,  should  carry  off  the  mountain  ! 
and  yet  in  time  it  may  be  done,  for  there 
would  be  some  diminution  ;  but  in  eternity 
there  can  be  none.     Also,  in  time  there  is  a 


127 

succession^  one  generation,  year  and  day 
passeth,  and  another  comes.  In  time  there 
is  an  alteration  of  condition  and  states,  but 
not  so  in  eternity.  In  this  world,  a  man  may 
be  poor  to-day,  and  rich  to-morrow  ;  sickly 
and  diseased  this  week,  and  well  the  next  ; 
now  in  honour,  but  soon  in  contempt.  But 
no  change  passes  upon  us  in  eternity.  As 
the  tree  falls  at  death,  so  it  lies  for  ever.  If 
in  heaven,  there  thou  art  a  pillar  ;  if  other- 
wise, misery  will  be  the  consequence. 

REFLECTION. 

And  is  the  mercy  of  God  like  the  great 
deep,  an  ocean  that  none  can  fathom  ?  What 
unspeakable  comfort  is  this  to  me?  may  the 
pardoned  soul  say.  Did  Israel  rejoice  when 
the  Lord  destroyed  their  corporeal  enemies 
in  the  seas  ?  And  shall  I  not  break  forth 
into  his  praises,  who  hath  drowned  all  my 
sins  in  the  depth  of  mercy  ?  O  my  soul,  bless 
the  Lord,  and  let  his  l.igh  praises  ever  be  in 
thy  mouth,  O  my  God,  who  is  like  unto 
thee  !  that  pardoneth  iniquity,  transgression, 
and  sin.  What  mercy,  but  the  mercy  of  a 
God  could  cover  such  abominations  as  mine  ? 

But  O  !  what  serious  reflections  will  con- 
science make  from  hence,  upon  all  despisers 
of  mercy,  when  the  sinner's  eyes  comes  to  be 
opened  too  late  for  mercy,  to  do  them  good  ! 
We  have  (say  they)  heard,  that  the  king  of 
heaven  was  a  merciful  king,  but  wc  would 
make  no  address  to  him,  whilst  that  sceptre 
was  stretched  out.  We  heard  of  balm  in 
Gilead,  and  a  physician  there;  that  was  able 


128 

and  willing  to  cure  all  our  wounds,  but  we 
would  not  commit  ourselves  to  him.  We 
read,  that  the  arms  of  Christ  were  open  to 
embrace  and  receive  us,  hut  we  would  not* 
O  unparalleled  folly  !  O  soul- destroying  mad- 
ness  !  now  the  womb  of  mercy  is  shut  up, 
and  shall  bring  forth  no  more  mercies  for  me 
for  even  Now  the  gates  of  grace  are  shut^ 
and  no  cries  can  open  them. 

Mercy  acted  its  part,  and  has  quitted  the 
stage  ;  and  now  justice  enters  the  scene,  and 
will  be  for  ever  glorified  upon  me.  How 
often  did  I  hear  the  bowels  of  compassion 
sounding  in  the  gospel. for  me  !  But  my  im- 
penitent heart  would  not  relent ;  but  it  is  now 
too  late,  I  am  now  past  out  of  the  ocean  of 
mercy,  into  the  ocean  of  eternity,  and  shall 
never  hear  the  voice  of  mercy  more. 

O  dreadful  eternity  !  O  soul-confounding 
word  !  An  ocean  indeed,  to  which  this 
ocean  is  but  a  drop  ;  for  in  thee  no  soul  shall 
see  either  bank  or  bottom.  If  I  lie  but  one 
night  under  strong  pain  of  body,  how  tedious 
doth  that  night  seem  !  And  how  do  1  countthe 
dock  and  v/ish  for  day  !  In  the  world  1  might 
have  had  life  but  would  not.  And  now,  how 
fain  would  I  have  death  but  cannot  ?  How 
quick  were  my  sins  in  execution  ?  And  how 
long  is  their  punishment  in  duration.  Oh 
that  God  would  but  vouchsafe  one  treaty 
more  !  But  alas  !  all  treaties  are  now  at  an 
end  with  me.  Therefore  my  soul  now  con- 
slider  these  things,  and  let  us  debate  this 
iiiatter  seriously;  before  we  launch  out  into 
this  ocean. 


1SQ 

THE  POEM. 

Who  from  some  liigh-rais'd  tower  views  tlie  ground, 
His  heart  doth  tremble,  and  his  head  goes  round ; 
Even  so  my  soul,  whilst  it  doth  view  and  think 
On  this  eternity,  upon  whose  brink 
It  borders,  stands  amaz'd,  and  doth  cry, 
O  boundless  !  bottomless  eternity  ! 
The  scourge  of  hell,  whose  very  lash  doth  rend 
Unhappy  souls  in  twain  :  What !  never  end  ? 
The  more  thereon  they  ponder,  think,  and  pore, 
The  more,  poor  wretches,  still  they  cry  and  roar. 
Ah  !  though  more  years  in  torments  we  should  lie. 
Than  sands  are  on  the  shores,  or  in  the  sky 
Are  twinkling  stars  ;  yet  this  gives  some  relief  I 
The  hope  of  ending.     Ah  !  but  here's  the  grief ! 
A  thousand  years  in  torments  past  and  gone^ 
Ten  thousand  more  afresh  are  coming  on ; 
And  when  these  thousands  all  their  course  have  run, 
The  end's  no  more  than  when  it  first  begun. 
Come  then,  my  soul,  let  us  discourse  together 
This  weighty  point,  and  tell  me  plainly  whether 
You  for  these  short-liv'd  joys,  that  come  and  go^ 
Will  plunge  yourself  and  me  in  endless  woe. 
Resolve  the  question  quickly,  do  not  dream 
More  time  away.     Lo,  in  an  hasty  stream 
We  swiftly  pass,  and  shortly  we  shall  be 
Ingulphed  both  in  this  eternity. 


CHAP.  II. 

The  geamen's  greatest  danger's  near  the  coast, 
When  we  are  nearest  heav'n,  the  danger's  most* 
OBSERVATION. 
THOUGH     seamen    meet    with    violent 
atorms;  yet  if  tbey  have  sea-room  enougV 


they  are  not  fearful :  but  if  they  find  them- 
selves near  the  shore^  they  look  upon  their 
situation  very  hazardous  :  the  sight  of  the 
shore  is  to  them,  like  the  shadow  of  death; 
if  not  able  to  weather  it. 

APPLICATfOiV. 

The  greatest  difficulties  that  many  saints 
meet  with  in  all  their  lives,  is  when  they 
eome  nearest  to  heaven,  and  have  almost  fin- 
ished  their  course.  Heaven  indeed  is  a  glo- 
rious  place,  the  spacious,  and  royal  mansions 
of  the  great  King — having  a  straight  and 
narrow  entrance — O  the  difficulty  of  arriving 
there !  how  many  hard  tugs  in  duty^  what 
earnest  contention  and  striving,  evea  to  an 
agony  !  Multitudes,  however,  put  forth,  and 
by  profession  are  bound  for  this^air  haven  : 
but  of  the  multitudes  that  put  out,  hov*^  few 
do  arrive  there  ?  A  man  may  set  out  by  a 
glorious  profession,  with  much  resolution,  he 
may  offer  very  fair  for  it,  and  npt  be  far  from 
the  kingdom  of  God,  and  yet  not  be  able  to 
enter  at  last,  Matthew  vii.  S3. 

Yea  many  of  those  who  are  sincere,  and  do 
arrive  at  last^  yet  come  to  heaven  with  much 
difficulty,  and  put  in,  as  a  poor  weather-beat- 
en vessel  comes  into  the  harbour,  more  like  a 
wreck,  than  a  ship,  neither  mast  nor  sail  left. 
But  then  there  are  others  who  go  in  with  full 
sail  before  the  wind,  and  have  an  abundant 
entrance  :  going  triumphing  out  of  the  world. 
Ah  !  when  we  arrive  at  the  narrow  channel, 
the  soul  then  is  in  the  most  serious  frame,  all 
ihings  look  with  a   new   face ;    conscience 


131 

scans  over  our  evidence  most  critically,  re- 
flections arise  as  to  our  pa^st  conduct  through 
life. 

REFLECTION. 

If  this  be  so,  how  inevitable  is  my  perdi- 
tion, may  the  careless  soul  say  !  If  they  who 
strive  so  much,  and  go  so  far,  yet  perish  at 
last ;  and  if  the  righteous  are  scarcely  saved, 
then  where  shall  such  an  ungodly  creature  as 
I  appear.  If  they  who  have  made  religion 
their  business,  and  pursuing  a  work  of  morti- 
fication,  and  walking  humbly  with  God  :  yet 
if  some  of  these  have  such  a  hard  tug  at 
last,  then  what  will  become  of  such  a  vain, 
careless,  flesh-pleasing  wretch  as  I  have  been? 
Again,  if  saints  find  it  so  straight  an  entrance. 
Then,  though  I  have  a  well  grounded  hope 
of  a  safe  arrival  at  last,  yet  let  me  look  to  it, 
that  I  do  not  increase  the  difficulty.  Ah  !  they 
are  the  things,  that  are  now  done  or  omitted, 
that  put  conscience  into  such  an  agony  then, 
O  my  soul  now  beware  of  sin,  as  it  may 
occasion  my  death  bed  full  of  thorns,  when  £ 
come  to  lie  down  in  it,  or  rather  let  me  say 
with  Hezekiah,  *^  Remember  now,  O  Lord, 
how  1  have  walked  before  thee  in  truth,  and 
with  a  perfect  heart/^ 

THE  POEM. 

After  a  tedieus  passage,  saints  descry 
The  glorious  shore,  salvation  being  nigh  •   _ 
Death's  long-boat's  lauriehM,  jeady  to  set  ashore 
Their  panting  souls  ;  O  how  they  lug  at  oar. 
Longing  to  be  at  rest :  but  then  they  find 
The  hardest  tug  of  all  is  yet  behind. 


Just  at  the  liarbour^s  mouth  they  see  the  wreck 

Of  souls  there  east  away,  and  driven  back. 

A  world  of  dang'rous  rocks  before  them  lie ; 

The  harbour's  barr'd,  and  now  the  wind  blows  high  : 

Thoughts  now  arise^  fears  multiply  apace ; 

All  things  now  about  them  have  another  face. 

Life  blazes,  just  like  an  expiring  light, 

The  soul's  upon  the  lip  preparM  for  flight. 

Death,  till  the  resurrection,  tears  and  rends, 

Out  of  each  other's  arms,  two  parting  friends, 

The  soul  and  body.     Ah  !  but  more  thaji  so 

Satan  falls  upon  them  e're  they  go, 

With  new  temptations,  back'd  with  althis  power ! 

And  scruples  kept  on  purpose  for  that  hour. 

This  is  the  last  encounter,  now,  or  never  ; 

If  he  succeedeth  now,  they're  gone  for  ever. 

Thus  in  they  put,  with  hardships  at  the  last, 

As  ships  out  of  a  storm,  nor  sails,  nor  mast : 

Yet  some  go  in  before  a  wind,  and  have 

Their  streamer  of  assurance  flying  brave. 

Lord  give  me  easier  entrance,  if  thou  please; 

Or  if  I  may  not  there  arrive  with  ease, 

Yet  I  beseech  thee,  set  me  safe  ashore, 

Tho'  stormy  winds  at  harbour's  mouth  should  roar. 


CHAP.  in. 

How  glad  are  seamen  when  they  make  the  shore  ? 
And  saints,  no  less,  when  all  their  danger's  o'er. 

OBSERVATION. 
WHAT  joy  is  there  among  seamen^  vvheia 
at  last,  after  a  tedious  and  dangerous  voyage, 
they  descry  land,  and  see  the  desired  haven 
before  them  ?  Then  they  turn  out  of  their 
loathed  cabinS;  and  come  on  deck,  address 


133 

their  sliipmaLtes  in  their  usual  phrase^  What 
cheer  ho  P  rejoicing  that  their  perilous  fears 
are  at  an  end.  They  can  now  reflect  with 
comfort  on  the  many  dangers  they  have 
escaped*' 

APPLICATION. 

But  O  what  a  transcendent  joy,  yea,  rav- 
ishing,   will   over-run  the   hearts  of  saints, 
when,  after  so  many   conflicts,    temptations, 
and  afliictions,  they  arrive  in  glory,  and  are 
harboured  in  heaven,  where   they   shall  rest 
for  ever  !     The  scripture  saith,  ^^They  shall 
sing  the  song  of  Moses,    and  of  the  Lamb.^^ 
The  song  of  Moses   was  a  triumphant  song, 
composed  for  the  celebration  of  that  glorious 
deliverance  at  the  Red  Sea.     The  saints  are 
now  fluctuating  upon  a  troublesome  and  tem- 
pestuous sea ;  their   hearts  sometimes  ready 
to  sink,  and  die  within  them,    at  the  appre- 
hension of  so  many  and   great  dangers  and 
difficulties.     Many  a   hard   storm  they   ride 
out,  and  many  straits  and  troubles  they  here 
encounter  with,  but  at  last  they  arrive  at  their 
desired  and  long  expected  haven,    and  then 
heaven  rings  and  resounds  m  ith   their  joyful 
acclamations.     And  how  can  it  be  otherwise, 
when  as  soon  as  ever  they  set  foot  upon   that 
glorious  shore,  Christ  himself  meets  and  re- 
ceives them,  with  a  ^^  Come  ye  blessed  of  my 
FsLther.*^     O  joyful  voice  !    O  much  desired 
word  !  saith  Paraeus,  what  tribulation  would 
not  a  man  undergo  for  this  word's  sake  ! 

Besides,  then  they  are  perfectly  freed  from 
all  evils;  whether  of  sia  or  suffering,  a,nd 


131^ 

perfectly  filled  with  all  desired  good.     Now 
they  shall  join  with  the  great  assembly^  in  the 
high  praises  of  God.     O  what  a  day  will  this 
be !  if,  said  a  worthy  divine,  Diagoras   died 
away  with  an  excess  of  joy,    whilst  he  em- 
braced his  three  sons  that  were  crowned  as 
victors  in  the  Olympic  games   in  one   day  : 
and  good  old  Simeon,    when  he   saw   Christ 
but  in  a  body  subject  to  the  infirmities  of  our 
nature,  cried  out,    '^  Now  let  thy  servant  de- 
part in  peace  ;  what  unspeakable  joy  will  it 
be  to  the  saints,  to  behold  Christ  in  his  glory, 
and  see  their  godly  relations  also  (to  whose 
conversion,  perhaps,  they  have  been  instru- 
mental) all  crowned,  in  one  day,   with  ever- 
lasting diadems  of  bliss  !  and  if  the  stars  did, 
"  as  Ignatius  saith,  make  a^  choir,   as  it  were, 
about  that  star  that  appeared  at  Christ's  in- 
carnation, and  there  is  such  joy  in  heaven  at 
the  conversion  of  a  sinner;  no  wonder,  then, 
the  morning  stars  sing  together,  and  the  sons 
of  God  shout  for  joy,   when  the  general  as- 
sembly  meet  in    heaven  :  O    how    will  the 
arches  of  heaven  ring,  and    echo,   when  the 
high  praises  of  God  shall  be  in  the  mouths  of 
such  a   congregation  !   then  shall  the  saints 
be  joyful  in  glory,  and  sin'g  aloud  upon  their 
beds  of  everlasting  rest. 

REFLECTION. 

And  is  there  such  a  day  approaching  for 
the  sons  of  God,  indeed  !  and  have  1  author- 
ity to  call  myself  one  of  the  number!  O 
then  let  me  not  droop  at  present  difficulties^ 
nor  hang  down  my  hands  when  1  meet  with 


135 

hardships  in  the  way.  O  my  soul,  what  a 
joyful  day  will  this  be  !  for  at  present  we  are 
tossed  upon  an  ocean  of  troubles,  fears  and 
temptations  ;  but  these  will  make  heaven  the 
sweeter. 

Cheer  up,  then,  O  my  soul,  thy  salvation 
is  now  nearer  than  when  thou  first  believedst, 
and  it  will  not  now  be  long  e're  I  receive  the 
end  of  my  faith,  and  then  it  will  be  sweet  to 
reflect  even  upon  these  hardships  in  the  way. 
Yet  a  few  days  more,  and  then  comes  that 
blessed  day  thou  hast  so  long  waited  and 
panted  for.  Oppose  the  glory  of  that  day, 
O  my  soul,  to  thy  present  abuses  and  suffer- 
ings,  as  blessed  Paul  did,  and  thou  shalt  see 
how  it  will  shrink  them  all  up  to  nothing  ; 
oppose  the  inheritance  thou  shalt  receive  in 
that  day,  to  thy  losses  for  Christ  now;  and 
see  how  joyfully  it  will  make  thee  bear  them, 
oppose  the  honour  that  will  be  put  upon  thee 
in  that  day,  to  thy  present  reproaches,  and 
see  how  easy  it  will  make  them  to  thee. 
What  condition  can  1  be  in,  wherein  the  be- 
lieving thoughts  of  this  blessed  day  cannot 
relieve  me  ? 

Am  I  poor,  here  is  that  which  answers 
poverty.  '^  Hearken,  my  beloved  brethren, 
hath  not  God  chosen  the  poor  of  this  world, 
rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom?'' 

Am  1  tempted  ?  here  is  relief  against  that, 
^^ Now  is  come  salvation  and  strength;  for 
the  accuser  of  our  brethren  is  cast  down.'^ 

Am  I  deserted  ?  Here  is  a  remedy  for 
that  too,  ^^And  there  shall  be  no  night  there/' 


136 

Come  then,  my  soul^  let  us  enter  upon  our 
inheritance  by  degrees^  and  begin  the  life  of 
heaven  upon  earth. 

THE  POEM. 

WHEN  Solomon  in  Israel  first  was  king, 

Heav'n*s  arches,  earth's  foundations,  seem'd  to  ring 

AVith  joyful  acclamations  ?     How  much  more 

Will  heav'n  resound,  when  saints  are  come  a-shore  i 

How  will  the  ravish'd  souls  transported  be 

At  the  first  glimpse  of  Christ !  whom  they  shall  see 

In  all  his  glory ;  and  shall  live,  and  move, 

Like  salamanders,  in  the  fire  of  love. 

A  flood  of  tears  convey'd  them  to  the  gate 

Where  endless  joys  receiv'd  them.     Now  the  date 

Of  all  their  sorrow's  out ;  henceforth  they  walk 

In  robes  of  glory.     Now  there's  no  more  talk 

Of  fears,  temptations,  of  that  snare,  or  this: 

No  serpent  in  this  paradise  doth  hiss. 

No  more  desertions,  troubled  thoughts,  or  tears ; 

Christ's  full  enjoyment  supersedes  those  fears. 

Delights  of  princes'  courts  are  all  but  toys 

To  these  delights,  these  are  traseendent  joys, 

The  joys  of  Christ  himself;  of  what  they  are. 

An  angel's  tongue  would  stammer  to  declare. 

Were  our  conceptions  clear,  did  their  tongues  go 

Unto  their  Ela,  yet  the  note's  too  low. 

What  I  paint  the  sun  too  bright !  it  cannot  be; 

Sure  heaven  suffers  no  hyperbole. 

My  thoughts  are  swailow'd  up,  my  muse  doth  tire, 

And  hang  her  wings,  conception  soars  no  higher*    , 

Give  me  a  place  among  thy  children  there. 

Although  I  lie  with  them  in  dungeons  here. 


137 


CHAP.  IV. 

Look  at  the  sea  by  turns,  doth  ebb  and  flow  j 

So  their  estates,  that  use  it,  come  and  go. 

What  dangers  seamen  run  for  Uttle  gains, 

Who,  for  their  souls,  would  ne'er  take  half  the  pains  I 

OBSERVATION. 

THE  sea  hath  its  alternate  course  and  mo- 
tioa,  its  ebbings  and  flowings  ;  no  sooner  is  it 
high  water,  but  it  begins  to  ebb  again,  and  leave 
the  shore  naked  and  dry,  which  but  a  little  be- 
fore, it  covered  and  overflovired.  And  as  its 
tides,  so  also  its  waves  are  the  emblems  of  in- 
constancy, still  rolling  and  tumblings  this  way 
and  that^  never  fixed  and  quiet. 

APPLICATION. 

Thus  unstable  and  inconstant  are  all  out- 
ward things,  there  is  no  depending  on  them, 
nothing  of  any  substance,  or  any  solid  con- 
sistence  in  them.  Riches  often  make  to 
themselves  wings  and  fly  aw^ay  as  an  eagle  to^ 
wards  heaven.  In  flying  to  us,  saith  saint 
Augustine,  they  have  scarce  a  sparrow's  wings, 
but  in  flying  from  us,  wings  as  an  eagle.  We 
are  all  subject  to  vanity  by  sin,  the  scrip, 
tures  saith.  As  the  flowers  of  the  grass,  so  shall 
the  rich  man  fade  away.  Many  a  man  out- 
lives his  estate  and  honour,  and  stands  in  the 
world  as  a  bare  dry  stalk  in  the  field,  whose 
IS 


138 

flower,  beauty  and  brandies  are  gone^,  one  pnJBF 
of  wind  l>i«)v\s  it  away^  one  churlish  easterly 
blast  shrivels  it  up. 

How  mad  a  thing  is  it,  then,  for  any  man  to 
be  lifted  up  in  j.ride,  upon  such  a  vanity  as  this 
is^ — to  build  so  lofty  an  overjetting  a  roof,  upon 
such  a  feeble,  tottering  foundation?  None 
have  more  frequent  experience  of  this,  than 
you  that  are  merchants,  and  seamen,  whose 
estates  are  floating  ;  and  yet  such  as  have  had 
the  highest  security  in  the  eye  of  reason, 
have,  notv^  ithstaudingj  experienced  the  vanity 
of  these  things.  History  likewise  informs  us, 
Henry  the  4th,  a  potent  prince,  was  so  reduced 
that  he  petitioned  for  a  prebend^s  place  in  the 
church  of  Spire.  Gallimer,  king  of  the  Van- 
dals, was  brought  so  low  that  he  sent  to  his 
friend  for  a  sponge  to  dry  up  his  tears,  a  loaf 
of  bread  to  maintain  his  life,  and  an  harp  to 
sidace  himself  in  his  misery.  The  story  of 
Bellisaritis  is  very  affecting,  a  man  famous  in 
his  time,  general  of  an  army,  yet  having  his 
eyes  put  out,  and  stripped  of  all  earthly  com- 
forts, was  led  through  the  streets  crying, 
^'  Give  one  penny  to  poor  Bellisarius.^'  Men 
therefore  of  the  greatest  estates  and  honour, 
have  nevertheless  become  the  very  scorn  of 
fortune.  Oh  then  !  what  a  folly  is  it,  to  set 
the  lieart^  and  let  out  the  afi'ections^n  them. 

REFLECTION. 

If  the  creature  therefore  is  so  vain  and  tan- 
stable — then  why  are  our  affecti(Uis  so  hot 
and  eager  after  it,  and  doat  upon  its  beauty  ? 


139 

Inay  our  spirits  therefore  be  raised  above 
them,  and  uur  conversation  more  in  Heaven — 
As  the  angel  from  thence,  having  one  foot  oa 
the  sea,  and  another  on  the  earth,  having  a 
crown  upon  his  head — May  we  therefore  set 
one  foot  u[)on  all  the  cares,  fears,  and  terrors 
of  the  world,  and  another  upon  all  the  tempt- 
ing s[)lendor  and  glory  of  it,  treading  both 
under  foot  in  the  dust,  and  crowning  ourselves 
with  nothing  but  spiritual  excellencies  and 
glory. 

THE  POEM. 

Judge  in  thyself  O  Christian  !  is  it  meet 

To  set  thy  heart  on  what  beasts  set  their  feet  ? 

^Tis  no  hyperbole,  if  you  be  told, 

You  dig  for  dross,  with  mattocks  made  of  gold. 

Affections  are  too  costly  to  bestow 

Upon  such  fair  fac'd  nothings  here  below. 

The  eagle  scorns  to  fall  down  from  on  high, 

(The  proverb  saith)  to  catch  the  silly  fly  : 

And  can  a  Christian  leave  the  face  of  God, 

T'  embrace  the  earth,  or  doat  upon  a  clod  ? 

Can  earthly  things  thy  heart  so  strangely  move, 

To  tempt  it  down  from  the  delights  above  ; 

Like  thoughtless  seamen  who  their  cabins  sweep 

And  trim,  when  all  is  sinking  in  the  deep  : 

Or  like  the  silly  bird,  that  to  her  nest 

Doth  carry  straws,  and  never  is  at  rest, 

Till  it  be  feather'd  well,  but  doth  not  see 

The  axe  beneath,  that's  hewing  down  the  tree.. 

If  on  a  thorn  thy  heart  itself  repose 

With  such  delight,  what  if  it  were  a  rose  ? 

Admire  O  saint,  the  wisdom  of  thy  God, 

Who  of  the  self  same  tree  doth  make  a  rod, 

Lest  thou  should  surfeit  on  forbidden  fruit. 

And  live  not  like  a  saint,  but  like  a  brute. 


140 


CHAP.  V. 

Tho'  many  fears  and  dangers  seamen  run, 
Yet  all's  forgotten  when  they  do  return. 
A  little  leak  neglected,  dangerous  proves  : 
One  sin  connived  at,  the  soul  undoes. 

OBSERVATION. 

THE  smallest  leak,  if  not  timely  discovered 
and  stopt,  is  enough  to  sink  a  ship  of  the  great- 
est burden  :  therefore  seamen  frequently  try 
what  water  is  in  the  hold  ;  and  if  they  find  it 
fresh,  and  increasing  upon  them,  they  ply  the 
pump,  and  set  the  carpenters  to  search  for  it 
and  stop  it,  and  till  it  be  discovered  they  can- 
not be  quiet. 

APPLICATION. 

What  such  a  leak  is  to  a  ship,  is  similar  to 
the  smallest  sin  neglected  to  the  soul ;  it  is 
enough  to  ruin  it  eternally.  No  sin,  though 
ever  so  small  is  tolerated  by  the  pure  and  per- 
feet  law  of  (rod,  which  extends  to  all  our 
words,  thoughts,  actions  and  affections  :  lay- 
ing a  restraint  upon  them  all,  conniving  at  no 
evil  in  any  man.  And  as  the  word  gives  no 
allowance  for  the  least  sin,  so  it  is  the  very 
nature  of  sincerity  and  uprightness,  to  set  the 
heart  against  every  way  of  wickedness,  and 
especially  that  sin  which  so  easily  besets  us  ; 
(as  the  philosopher  observes)  Sin  is  of  the 
whole  kind  j  those  who  hate  sin,  as  sin,   and 


141 


so  (loth  every  upright  soul,  hate  all  sins  as 
well  as  some. 

Again,  the  soul  that  hath  experienced  a 
sight  of  Christ  and  a  discovery  of  the  evil  of 
sin,  in  the  glass  both  of  tbe  law  and  gospel, 
can  account  no  sin  small.  He  knows  the  de- 
merits of  tbe  smallest  sin  is  God's  displeasure, 
and  that  not  the  least  sin  can  be  remitted, 
without  the  application  of  the  blood  of  Christ. 
To  conclude,  God's  people  know,  that  little,  as 
well  as  great  sins,  are  dangerous,  deadly  and 
destructive  in  their  own  nature  ;  a  little  poisoa 
will  destroy  a  man.  Adrian  was  choaked 
with  a  gnat.  Caesar  was  stabbed  with  bodkins, 
Adam's  sin,  (many  suppose)  was  not  great — 
but  the  scripture  informs  us  what  dreadful 
work  it  made  !  not  as  a  single  bullet  to  kill 
himself  only,  but  as  a  chain-shot,  which  cut 
off  all  his  poor  posterity.  Indeed,  no  sin  can 
be  little,  because  its  object,  against  whom  it 
may  be  committed,  is  so  great,  whence  it  re- 
ceives  a  kind  of  infiniteness  in  itself,  and  be- 
cause the  price  paid  to  redeem  us  from  it,  is  so 
invaluable. 

REFLECTION. 

And  is  the  smallest  sin  not  only  destructive 
in  its  own  nature,  but  will  certainly  prove  the 
ruin  of  that  soul  that  hides  and  covers  it* 
Look  to  it  then,  O  my  soul,  that  no  sin  be  in- 
dulged by  thee — let  me  never  say  of  any  sin 
as  Lot  did  to  Zoar,  <^  It  is  a  little  one  spare 
it.''  if  our  hearts  are  right,  and  our  con- 
versation sound,  that  lust,  whatever  it  be,  that 
IS* 


14S 

is  so  favoured  by  me,  would  be  abhorred,  and 
hated.  Whatever  my  convictions  and  refor- 
mation have  been,  yet  if  there  be  but  one  sin 
retained,  and  delighted  in,  this  keeps  Satan's 
interest  still  in  my  soul,  and  though  for  a  time 
he  seems  to  depart,  yet  at  last  he  will  return 
with  seven  worse  spirits  ;  and  this  is  the  sin 
that  will  open  the  door  to  him,  and  deliver  up 
my  soul  ;  therefore  let  me  make  thorough  work 
of  it ;  let  me  cut  it  off,  and  pluck  it  out,  though 
it  be  as  a  right  hand,  or  e^Ct  To  come  so 
near  the  kingdom  of  God,  and  yet  to  stick  at 
so  small  a  matter,  and  lose  all  for  the  indulge 
ing  of  one  sin  ;  let  me  rather  shed  the  blood 
of  the  dearest  lust*  for  his  sake  who  shed  his 
dearest  blood  for  me. 

THE  POEM. 

There's  many  a  soul  eternally  undone 
For  sparing  sin  because  a  little  one. 
But  we  are  much  deceived  ;  no  sin  is  small, 
That  wounds  so  great  a  God,  so  dear  a  soul. 
Yet  say  it  were,  the  smallest  penknife  may, 
As  well  as  sword,  or  lance,  despatch  and  slay. 
And  shall  so  small  a  matter  part  and  sever 
Christ  and  thy  soul  ?  What !  make  you  part  for 

ever  ? 
Or  wilt  thou  stand  on  toys  with  him,  when  he 
Deny'd  himself  in  greatest  things  for  thee  ? 
Or  will  it  be  an  ease  in  hell  to  think 
How  easily  thy  soul  therein  did  sink  ? 
Are  Christ  and  hell  for  trifles  sold  and  bought  ? 
Strike    souls    with   trembling,    Lord,   at   such  a 

thought ; 
By  little  sins  belov'd,  the  soul  is  lost, 
Unless  such  sins  do  great  repentance  cost* 


143 

Of  all  the  dreadful  works  of  God,  we  find 

No  metaphors  to  paint  a  troubled  mind. 

'Tis  like  the  raging  sea  that  casts  up  mire, 

Or  like  to  ^tna  breathing  smoke  and  fire  ; 

O  conscience  !  who  can  stand  before  thy  power. 

Endure  thy  gripes,  and  twinges  but  an  hour  ? 

Stone,  gout,  strappado,  racks,  whatever  is 

Dreadful  to  sense,  is  but  a  toy  to  this. 

No  pleasures,  riches,  honours,  friends,  can  tell 

How  to  give  ease  :   In  this  'tis  like  to  hell. 

Call  for  the  pleasant  timbrel,  lute  and  harp  ; 

Alas  !  the  music  howls,  the  pains  too  sharp 

For  these  to  charm,  divert,  or  lull  asleep  : 

These  cannot  reach  it,  no,  the  wound's  too  deep. 

Let  all  the  promises  before  it  stand, 

And  set  a  Barnabas  at  its  right  hand, 

These  in  themselves  no  comfort  can  afford, 

'Tis  Christ,  and  none  but  Christ,  can  speak  the 

word. 
And  he  no  sooner  speaks,  but  all  is  still. 
The  storm  is  over,  and  the  mind  tranquil. 


CHAP.  VI. 

Concluding  SpeecJi. 

I  have  now  done  and  am  looking  to  heaven 
for  a  blessing  upon  these  labours  ;  what  use  you 
will  make  of  them  1  know  not ;  you,  however, 
are  accountable  for  this,  and  all  other  helps 
and  means  afforded  you  ;  and  if  they  are  not 
thus  improved,  they  will  be  produced  as  a  wit- 
ness  against  you.  Therefore  I  request  you 
all,  both  officers  and  common  men,  and  all 
others,  into  whose  hands  this  shall  come,  that 
you  will  lay  to  heart  what  you  read.     Alas  ! 


144 

if  yon  apply  it  not  to  yourselves,  1  have  la- 
bouied  to  no  purpose  ;  the  pen  of  the  scribe  is 
in  vain,  but  God  may  make  such  an  applica- 
tion of  them  in  a  storm,  as  may  make  your 
heiirts  to  tremble.  O  sirs !  when  death  and 
eternity  look  you  in  the  face,  conscience  may 
reflect  upon  these  things  to  your  horror  and 
amazement,  and  then  cause  you  to  reflect, 
"  Hov^  have  1  hated  knowledge,  and  have  not 
"  obeyed  the  voice  of  my  teacher.'*  But  if  the 
Lord  shall  bless  these  things  to  your  conver- 
sion^ then  1  may  say  to  you,  as  Moses  said  to 
the  mariner's  tribe — Hejoice  Zebulun  in  thy 
going  out :  The  Lord  be  with  you,  which  way 
soever  you  go  ;  and  being  thus  in  the  bosom 
of  the  covenant,  you  are  safe  in  the  midst  of 
all  dangers  :  O  thou  who  art  the  Father  of 
spirits,  who  formedst  and  canst  easily  reform 
the  heart,  open  thou  the  blind  eye,  unstop  the 
deaf  ear,  let  the  word  take  hold  upon  the  hearty 
if  thou  wilt  but  say  the  word,  these  weak  la- 
hours  shall  prosper,  to  bring  home  many  lost 
souls  unto  ihee.     Amen. 


MEDITATIONS. 


SELECTED   FROM    THE    CHRISTIAN   MONITOR. 


FIRST. 

Our  Father.     Matt.  vi.  9. 

HERE  is  the  whole  gospel  in  one  word. 
Our  father  in  heaven  loves  us  his  children,  and 
provides  for  our  happiness,  and  directs  by  his 
providence  the  course  of  our  education.  The 
gospel  contains  the  messages  and  warnings  of 
his  parental  grace  ;  and  they  were  sent  by  his 
well  beloved  son.  But  there  are  some  who 
abuse  the  goodness  of  God,  and,  from  the 
abounding  of  his  grace,  are  encouraged  to  con- 
tinue in  sin.  Others  live  without  God,  and 
others  disregard  him  !  Distressful  impiety  ! 
Children  of  disobedience,  take  warning  ;  con- 
sider that  God  is  a  lawgiver  and  judge  as  well 
as  a  father  ;  and  if  ye  turn  not  at  his  reproof, 
and  set  at  nought  all  bis  counsel,  he  will 
mock  when  your  fear  cometh  ;  you  shall  call, 
but  he  will  not  answer  ;  you  will  seek,  but 
not  find.  The  same  tribunal  which  pronoun- 
ces, Come  ye  blessed,  will  utter,  Depart  ye 
cursed.  Full  of  prayers  we  beseech  sinners 
to  be  reconciled  to  God,  who  waiteth  to  be 
gracious,  but  his  spirit  will  not  always  strive 
with  you.  His  goodness  should  lead  us  to  re- 
pentance. Approach  boldly  the  throne  of  his 
grace,  that  you  may  obtain  both  grace  and 
help. 


146 


SECOND. 


How  shall  T  do  this  ^reat  icicJcedness  avd  sin 
against  God  P    Gen.  xxxix,  lO. 

What  tenderness  of  conscience,  what  roli- 
gions  sefisihility.  is  exprei^setl  in  these  words  ! 
Powerful  enticenient  :  but  deprived  of  its 
whole  influence  b;y  three  words,  God  seeth  me. 
With  this  thought  the  tremulous  heart,  like 
the  needle  to  the  pole,  is  turned  speedily  to 
thn  point  of  reotitude.  The  religious  man  is  a 
sure  law  to  himself,  No  infiiuiity  of  nature, 
strength  of  temptation,  nor  sophistry  of  reason- 
ing, can  seduce  him  to  wilful  disobedience. 
Joseph  w  as  born  of  God  ;  he  could  not  com- 
mit sin,  for  it  was  contrary  to  his  spiritual  na- 
ture. With  constant  jealousy  let  us  watch 
ourselves,  lest  at  any  time  God  should  not  be 
in  our  thoughts,  and  so  we  displease  and 
offend  him  by  our  deeds.  When  the  inter- 
course of  man  with  his  maker  is  suspended, 
there  is  little  security  against  the  defilements 
of  sin.  Religion  confers  a  fortitude  and  per- 
severance of  mind  which  no  adversary  can 
prevailingly  resist  ;  the  good  man,  from  the 
good  treasuie  of  his  heart,  bringeth  forth  good 
things.  ^'  Walk  before  me  :  be  thou  perfect.^^ 
Here  is  an  epitome  of  practical  religion.  If 
w^e  obey  this  one  precept,  we  shall  obey  every 
other;  no  temptation  can  wound  us.  Walk- 
ing in  the  presence  of  God  we  are  in  the  sure 
road  to  perfection  ;  we  shall  go  from  weak- 
ness to  strength;  and  from  strength  to  glory. 


147 


THIRD. 


Gather  up  the  fragments  that  nothing  he  lost. 
John  vi,  12. 

Blessed  Jesus  !  how  well  do  thy  miracles 
comport  with  thy  character^  and  illustrate  thy 
mercy.  The  eyes  of  the  hungry  wait  on  thee^ 
and  thou  givest  them  meat  in  due  season  ; 
thou  stretchest  forth  the  hand  of  thy  power^ 
the  bread  multiplies^  the  five  loaves  and  two 
fishes  become  plenteousness.  The  multitude 
sit  down  at  thy  command^  and  there  is  sufficient 
for  every  one.  A  miracle  :  it  excites  our  as?, 
tonishment,  and  even  extends  the  belief  of 
many.  But  a  like  miracle  is  wrought  every 
year.  The  grain  we  sow  is  multiplied;  the 
bread  is  multiplied  in  the  hands  of  the  disci- 
ples who  distributed  it.  The  same  omnipo- 
tence does  both. 

Hut  we  read,  Gathei*  up  the  fragments,  that 
nothing  be  lost.  What  need  of  this,  when  it 
is  so  easy  to  make  loaves?  I  do  not  know. 
But  this  page  in  the  gospel  well  agrees  with 
the  book  of  nature  :  for,  amidst  all  the  ''  pro- 
fusions of  divine  bounty,  (xod  hatli  so  consti- 
tuted the  world  that  there  should  be  no  waste, 
and  there  is  none.  He  iveighed  the  dust  and 
measured  the  water,  when  the  worlil  Wfis 
made  ;  so  much  of  each.  The  same  quaoHty 
still  remains.  The  decayed  leaves  nourish  tiie 
tree,  from  which  they  fell.  Something  ;;ath- 
ers  up  all  fragments,  and  it  is  the  voice  nf  hlai 
who  made  the  world;  ^  Let  nothing  be  lost.^^^ 


148 

Husbands  and  housewives,  be  frugal.  Let 
not  the  accusation,  that  you  have  wasted  his 
goods,  be  preferred  to  the  great  husbandman 
in  heaven*  Nothing  will  contribute  more  to 
ease  in  living,  than  frugality.  A  second  only 
may  be  required  to  pick  up  a  corn,  but  a 
minute  perhaps  to  raise  one.  With  economy 
we  may  keep  out  of  debt,  live  in  plenty,  enter- 
tain  strangers,  have  our  children  clean  and 
warm,  and  something  left  to  assist  a  friend  in 
troubles,  and  also  to  give  a  poor,  sick  neigh- 
bour. Though  we  labor  six  days  with  ever 
so  much  diligence,  yet  wastefulness  will  leave 
us  nothing  to  eat  on  the  seventh.  Wasteful- 
ness is  like  the  horseleech,  crying,  Give,  give  j 
but  is  never  satisfied,  nor  says,  It  is  enough. 

Reason,  religion,  self-interest,  all  say, 
Gather  up  the  fragments.  Be  frugal  of  bread  ; 
of  money  ;  of  time  ;  of  strength  ;  of  every 
thing  ;  and  particularly  economize  with  reason^ 
nor  waste  the  powers  of  the  mind  in  trifling 
contests,  but  reserve  their  best  exertions  to  de- 
fend the  truth,  and  especially  that  all  compre- 
hensive truth;  He  that  is  wise,  is  wise  for  hira- 
self» 


FOURTH. 

Speak  not  evil  one  of  another ,  irethren. 
James  iv.  H. 

No  vice  receives  more  countenance  in  socie- 
ty than  evil  speaking  ;  and  yet  no  vice  is 
more  frequently  checked  by  the  genuine  prin* 


149 

ciples  of  christian  goodness.  If  I  am  humble^ 
I  shall  open  my  eyes  to  my  own,  and  not  my 
neighbour's  defect.  If  I  am  charitable^  I  shall 
hardly  believe,  much  less  utter,  what  I  wish 
not  true.  If  I  am  just^  I  shall  do  to  others 
what  i  would  they  should  do  to  me,  i.  e.  Be 
silent  when  they  cannot  commend.  If  we 
cannot  save  a  man  from  infamy,  O  let  us  not 
assist  in  overwhelming  him  with  disgrace. 
Perhaps  he  has  repented  of  his  sin.  fehall  1 
proclaim  the  disgrace  of  one,  whom  (rod  has 
forgiven  ?  Let  us  remember  a  backsliding 
neighbour  in  our  secret  prayers  to  God,  but 
forget  him  in  the  presence  of  men.  That 
tongue  w^hich  blesses  the  Father,  and  confcHses 
Christ,  ought  never  to  utter  an  evil  report. 
A  brother,  a  sister,  has  fallen.  A  holy  exam- 
ple will  sooner  reclaim,  than  bitter  censure. 
Besides,  if  we  shew  no  mercy,  how  shall  we 
approach  with  the  least  confidence  the  throne 
of  grace,  and  pray  God  to  cover  our  trangres- 
sions  ?  Wherefore,  lay  aside  all  evil  speak- 
ings.    Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged. 


FIFTH. 

Entreat  the  younger  [^women^  as  sisters,  with 
all  purity.     1  Tim.  v.  S. 

Have  we  any  unchaste  desires  towards  sis- 
ters ?     No.     We  ought  not  to  have  any  to- 
wards  our  female  acquaintances  and  compan- 
ions, but  treat  them  with  respect  and  affection. 
13 


1 30 

This  behaviour  indicates  a  cultivated  mind, 
real  liunianily,  a  christian  spirit,  moral  dis- 
cernment, and  delicacy, 

As  sisters.  We  are  friendly  towards  sis- 
tersj  aflectionate,  and  attentive.  The  femp.le 
sex  are  entitled  to  a  similar  regard,  and  may 
justly  demand  a  similar  conversation.  1  am  a 
young  man.  I  will  be  the  generous  friend  of 
every  young  woman  with  whom  1  have  inter- 
course :  take  an  interest  in  her  pleasures  and 
pains  ;  and  adapt  my  behaviour  to  her  condi- 
tion  in  life  and  mode  of  education.  1  will 
love  her,  and  be  desirous  of  her  improvement 
and  welfare.  I  will  exercise  the  benevolent 
affections,  and  perform  every  needed  act  of 
kindness  ;  but  heaven  grant,  that  it  may  be 
with  all  purity  ;  that  every  sister  may  witness 
and  applaud  my  chaste  conversation,  coupled 
with  respect ;  that  no  evil  thoughts  may  pro- 
ceed out  of  my  heart ;  that  I  may  never  defile 
the  temple  of  God.  Let  me  ever  esteem  it  the 
highest  honor  of  character  to  protect  female 
virtue  ;  to  suggest  no  temptation  which  may 
endanger  female  innocence  ;  to  extinguish 
every  incentive  to  vice.  Let  no  corrupt  com- 
munication proceed  from  my  mouth.  May 
God  preserve  me,  soul  and  body,  undefiled, 
and  cleanse  me  from  all  filthiness  of  flesh  and 
spirit  ! 


151 
SIXTH. 

liepant  and  be  Forgiven. 

Repentance  being  a  change  of  mind  ac- 
companied by  a  change  of  conduct,  and  being 
most  perfect  when  it  proceeds  from  the  fear  of 
God,  from  our  love  to  Him,  and  humble  confi- 
dence in  his  mercy.  It  being  most  certain 
when  it  is  followed  by  a  change  of  conduct  ; 
from  viciousness  to  sobriety  of  manners  ;  from 
habitual  sinfulness,  to  habitual  righteousness 
of  life.  A  man  may  be  actuated  through  fear 
of  punishment,  and  change  his  conduct  from 
vice  to  virtue — this,  however,  does  not  imply 
such  a  change  of  mind  as  is  essential  to  true 
repentance.  When  a  man  abstains  from  gross 
enormities,  merely  to  preserve  his  character  ; 
when  he  conceals  his  intemperance,  pride, 
envy,  malignity,  and  other  evil  propensities, 
merely  to  preserve  his  character  from  censure, 
and  for  the  purpose  of  exhibiting  a  fair  outside 
to  the  world  :  When  a  man  fails  in  his  busi- 
ness, and  is  of  course  in  a  state  of  insolvency, 
but  in  process  of  time  (whether  by  the  assistance 
of  friends,  or  his  own  industry,  or  whatever 
time  may  have  elapsed,)  retrieves  his  losses, 
prospers  in  his  affairs,  so  that  he  is  enabled  to 
pay  in  part^  his  arrearages,  with  some  interest, 
but  withholds,  or  declines  doing  it,  his  heart  is 
not  right — the  old  man  is  not  put  off — his  re- 
pentance is  nothing.  But  when  a  man  may 
commit  sin  with  secrecy,  and  to  all  human  tribu- 
nals  with  impunity  ;  when  he  may  indulge  his 
sensuality  ;  gratify  his  revenge  ;  feed  his  ma- 
lignity, &c.   without  endangering  his  health, 


152 

fame  or  fortune,  and  yet  abstains  from  doing 
them,  being  fully  persuaded  that  God  loves 
him,  and  forbids  nothing,  but  with  a  gracious 
design  to  preserve  him  from  misery  here  and 
hereafter  ;  then  his  repentance  is  sincere  ;  his 
obedience  a  reasonable  service,  his  heart  is  in 
a  proper  state  of  resignation,  love  and  grati- 
fude  towards  the  author  of  all  good. 


SEVENTH. 

The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  grain  of 
mustard  seed — and  like  unto  leaven.  Matt. 
xiii.  31,  33. 

How  expansively  has  the  christian  faith  been 
propagated  !  That  which  was  spoken  first  in 
the  little  province  of  Judea,  was  soon  spread 
among  the  isles  of  the  Grentiles.  The  gospel 
sound  speedily  extended  into  the  families  of 
Shem,  Ham,  and  Japheth  ;  yes,  it  spread  joy  in 
Europe,  Asia,  and  Africa,  and  disciples  from 
the  east  and  west  sat  down  with  Abraham, 
Isaac,  and  Jacob  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
Since  the  primitive  age,  how  many  living 
thousands  have  reported  the  gospel  narrative 
of  grace,  and  how  many  more  still,  with  their 
dying  breath,  have  testified  their  belief  of  its 
truth  !  Yet  in  the  beginning  it  had  no  support 
from  wealth  or  arms  ;  they  were  employed 
against  the  cause  of  Christianity.  Both  learn- 
ing and  ignorance  were  enemies  to  the  faith. 
Its  interests  have  been  often  betrayed  through 
the  weakness  of  its  real^  and  the  treachery  of 


103 

Its  pretended,  friends.  Notwithstanding  all 
these  things,  the  grain  of  mustard  sprouted, 
vegetated,  and  has  become  a  tree.  Its  leaves 
have  been  the  healing  of  the  nations.  Many  a 
wanderer  has  been  sheltered  under  its  branches. 
JVlillions  have  been  indebted  for  nourishment 
and  comfort  to  its  fruit  and  its  shade.  The 
leaven  too  of  the  gospel  has  expanded  with 
joy  many  an  aching  heart,  l^y  a  mysterious 
influence,  and  hidden  operation,  it  has  touched 
with  peace  and  pleasnre  the  chords  distended 
with  fear,  sorrow,  and  despair.  Come,  de- 
clare your  number,  ye  ignorant  who  have  been 
enlightened  by  that  wisdom,  which  came  from 
above  ;  and  your  number,  ye  obstinate  whose 
hearts  have  been  softened  and  opened  to  re- 
ceive the  words  of  salvation  ;  and  your  num- 
ber, ye  sorrow  ful  who  have  been  comforted  by 
the  compassion  of  Jesus  ;  and  your  number, 
ye  ill-fated  Africans  who  have  been  restored 
to  freedom  !  But  stop,  your  stripes  and  your 
blood  this  moment  call  for  ve^ngeance  on  un- 
christian  oppressors.  When  shall  the  old 
leaven  of  this  cruelty  and  oppression  be 
purged  away  ?  I'hough  slavery  be  not  abol- 
ished, yet  the  condition  of  slaves  is  doubtless 
much  ameliorated  in  many  instances  by  the  in- 
flueuce  of  christian  principles. 

Holy  faith,  once  delivered  to  the  saints  !  let 
us  dwell  on  thy  power.  Thine  influence  im- 
pregnates with  mercy  the  warrior^s  heart,  and 
he  binds  up  the  limbs  he  has  mangled.  States- 
men, who  know  little  of  thy  history  and  less 
of  thy  principles,  have  been  silent  with  venera- 
tion of  thy  power.     Thy  lessons  to  those  ou 


154 

the  throne  have  been  justice  and  judgment. 
In  the  cottage  thou  inspires!  frugality  and  con- 
tentment. The  travailing  mother  muses  on 
thy  promise  of  being  saved  in  child-bearing, 
and  they  who  draw  near  the  gates  of  death 
have  rejoiced  in  the  support  of  thy  rod  and 
staff. 

Is  not  something  of  thee  to  be  seen  among 
all  sects  of  Christians  ?  At  St.  Peter's,  at  St. 
PauPs,  at  the  conventicles,  are  there  not  sin- 
cere believers  ?  Holy  spirit  of  Christianity  ! 
let  me  not  despise  the  smallest  token  of  thy 
power,  or  lose  one  moment  in  gaining  and  dis- 
persing thy  blessed  fruits.  I  am  not  ashamed 
of  thee.  Thou  didst  command  the  veneration 
of  Locke,  the  ripest  of  human  intelligences  ; 
by  thee  Watts  knew  the  joys  of  heaven  while 
he  staid  on  earth.  Thou  didst  waft  on  the 
wings  of  hope,  our  fathers  over  the  Atlantic, 
and  invigorate  their  watchful  labours  by  sea 
and  land.  The  Huron  pants  for  the  streams 
of  thy  grace,  apd  the  world  is  thirsty  for  thy 
living  waters. 


EIGHTH. 

But  I  say  unto  yoii^  Love  your  enemies.    Matt. 
V.  44. 

Let  us  examine  ourselves  on  this  head. 
An  enemy  has  stained  our  reputation  ;  has  hin- 
dered our  acquisition  of  honour  ;  has  defraud- 
ed us  of  our  right ;  he  insults  us  under  depres- 
sioD;  and  the  world  ignorantly  countenance  all 


155 

these  injuries.     But  we  say  we  are  above  re- 
venge^  aud  despise  so  wicked  an  adversary, 
This  is  not  to   love  him.     He  has  confessed 
his  error  ;  we  have  forgiven  him^  and  are  fully 
reconciled  ;  but  we  wish  not  to  see  him,  or  to 
have  any  intercourse  with  him.     Then  we  do 
not  love  him.     But  we  have  so  far  conquered 
our  aversion,  that  we  are  willing  to  live  on 
good  terms  and  be  civil  to  him,  though  he  can- 
not  reasonably  expect  many  acts  of  friendship. 
This  is  not  love  to  him.     Our  hearts  are   still 
estranged.     The  enemy  is  forgiven,  but  not 
loved  and  treated  as  a  brother.     Rough  ap- 
pearances are  smoothed  away,  but  the  inward 
rancour  is   not   removed.     Let  us   enter  the 
closet  and  pray.     ^"^  Almighty  God  !  1  beseech 
thee  to  heal  the  wounds  which  a  proud  sensi- 
bility has  made  in  my  heart.     Enable  me  to 
forget  the  momentary  injuries  done  me  by  a 
brother.     Pardon  the  crimes  of  my  whole  life  ; 
forgive  the  numerous  trespasses  which  I  have 
trespassed  against  thee.     Mine  enemy  is  sick, 
wilt  thou  heal  him  ;  his  children  are  profligate, 
wilt  thou  reclaim  them  ;  he  threatens  me  with 
new  injuries,  take  from  him  his  hostile  pur- 
poses, and  forgive  him,  for  he  knows  not  what 
he  is  doing.     My  pride  has  magnified  his  in- 
juries, accept  the  sacrifice  1  now  make  of  all 
my  resentments.     Perfect  me  in  obedience  to 
the  precepts  and  in  conformity  to  the  example 
of  Jesus  Christ.     1  aai  reviled,  keep  me  from 
reviling  again  ;     I   sufler,   preserve   me  from 
threatening;  unto  thee  who  judgest righteously 
1  commit  myself.    ^•dimenJ'^ 


156 
NINTH. 

If  ye  love  them  icho  love  you^  what  reward  have 
ye  ?  do  not  even  the  publicans  the  same  ? 
Matt,  V.  46. 

Natural  virtues  are  not  to  be  confounded 
with  chris  ian  graces.  The  latter  embrace 
more  objects,  proceed  from  more  exalted  mo- 
ti^esj  and  are  more  certain  and  durable  in  the 
exercise.  Politeness  in  manners,  justice  in 
dealings,  compassion  to  the  distressed,  grati- 
tude to  benefactors,  and  parental  and  filial  af- 
fectiun,  may  exist,  without  any  religion.  These 
indt'ed  are  virtues  deservedly  praised  in  the 
north  and  south,  the  east  and  west,  and  no  one 
can  be  a  christian  w  ithout  them.  But  they  are 
not  of  themselves  the  sure  t<sts  of  a  christian. 
Publicans  h»ve  those  who  love  them.  Nature 
invites  to  compa.^sion  and  gratitude.  Self-in- 
terest requires  justice.  Christianity  is  more 
extensive  in  its  principles  ;  it  embraces  new 
objects,  excites  nevv  fervours,  and  directs  our 
aims  to  new  ends.  Natui^l  benevolence  en- 
twines  around  the  heart  of  a  father,  a  brother,  a 
benefactor,  the  sorrowful,  the  indigent.  But 
christian  benevolence  creates  a  bond  of  union 
between  the  holy  and  virtuous  ;  it  demands  the 
suppression  even  of  natural  feelings  towards  aa 
enemy  ;  it  embraces  man  with  all  his  interests, 
temporal,  spiritual,  and  eternal.  Am  1  a 
christian^  or  only  a  decent  publican  ? 


ABRIDGMENT 


BOOK  OF  JOB. 


EXTRACTS. 

The  book  of  Job  (an  eminent  divine  ob- 
serves) is  full  of  excellent  instruction,  im- 
pressed by  forcible  argument,  sublime  imagery 
and  description,  and  affecting  example.  Jt  ex- 
hibits in  an  interesting  history  the  vicissitudes 
of  human  affairs.  It  illustrates  the  vigilant 
care,  and  vindicates  the  rectitude  of  provi- 
dence, and  proves  the  propriety  of  resignation 
to  the  divine  will.  Through  the  whole  of  the 
book  we  discover  religious  instruction  shining 
forth  amidst  the  venerable  simplicity  of  an- 
cient manners ;  and  it  every  where  abounds 
with  the  noblest  sentiments  of  piety,  uttered 
with  the  spirit  of  inspired  conviction.  It  is  a 
work  of  great  antiquity,  perhaps  the  most  an- 
cient which  remains  on  record.  It  is  believed 
to  have  been  written  by  Moses,  when  he 
dwelt  with  Jethro,  king  of  Midian,  to  whose 
1 


% 

dominious  he  fled  for  protection,  after  he  had 
slaia  the  Egyptian,  who  was  insultins;,  and 
abusing  an  Hebrew.  This  is  probable  from 
the  very  nature  of  the  story,  addressed  to  th^ 
Israelites  in  a  state  of  oppression. 

In  the  character  and  situation  of  Job,  is 
presented  a  great  and  good  man  suddenly  in- 
volved in  the  deepest  adversity.  His  friends, 
who  came  to  condole  with  him,  insinuate  some 
uncharitable  suspicions  ;  and  while  they  ex- 
press many  admirable  remarks  upon  the  deal- 
ings  of  providence,  seem  to  have  limited,  and 
in  some  instances  mistaken  ideas  of  its  econo- 
my. But  the  statements  of  Klihu.  seconded 
by  the  declarations  of  the  Almighty,  silence 
the  murmurings  of  the  suflferer ;  and  his  con- 
viction,  penitence  and  humility,  are  recom-- 
pensed  by  a  restoration  of  his  health  and 
prosperity. 

In  reviewing  this  story,  with  a  design  of 
drawing  from  it  lessons  of  instruction,  many 
pages  teem  with  sentences  that  speak  to  the 
understanding  and  the  heart ;  every  incident 
and  change  of  fortune  have  in  them  something 
monitory ;  and  there  is  hardly  a  case  in  the 
ordinary  course  of  human  life,  in  which  one 
may  not  advantageously  consult  the  character 
of  Job  for  advice.  From  his  example  the 
jjrosperous  may  learn  a  lesson  of  gratitude  to 
God,  and  benevolence  and  charity  to  man ; 
and  the  afflicted  may  be  taught  submission  to 
the  will  of  heaven,  and  to  bear  adversity  witli 
a  tractable  and  patient  spirit,  assured  that  in 
the  end  God  will  vindicate  all  his  dealings, 
and  they  will  be  fully  convinced  that  trials 


and  sufferings  will  work  out  for  them  a  far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. 

^^  Many  parts  of  the  story  of  Job  (says  a 
female  writer)  are  obscure  ;  but  it  is  well 
worth  studying,  for  the  extreme  beauty  of  the 
poetry,  and  for  the  noble  and  sublime  devo- 
tion it  contains.  The  subject  of  the  dispute 
between  Job  and  his  pretended  friends  seems 
to  be,  whether  the  Providence  of  God  dis- 
tributes the  rewards  and  punishments  of  this 
life  in  exact  proportion  to  the  merit  or  de- 
merit of  each  individual.  His  antagonists 
suppose  that  it  does  ;  and  therefore  infer  from 
Job's  uncommon  calamities,  that,  uotwith* 
standing  his  apparent  righteousness,  he  was 
in  reality  a  grievous  sinner.  They  aggravate 
his  supposed  guilt,  by  the  imputation  of  hy- 
pocrisy,  and  call  upon  him  to  confess  it,  and 
to  acknowledge  the  justice  of  his  punishment. 
Job  asserts  his  own  innocence  and  virtue  in 
the  most  pathetic  manner,  yet  does  not  pre- 
sume to  accuse  the  Supreme  Being  of  injus- 
tice during  his  sufferings,  though,  according 
to  the  narrative,  almost  every  affliction  which 
falls  to  the  lot  of  mortal  man  embittered  his 
life.  His  goods  were  taken  away  by  robbers ; 
his  body  was  smitten  by  a  loathsome  and  tor- 
menting disease  ;  his  family  were  all  cut  off, 
and  all  his  company  made  desolate  by  a  sud- 
den stroke  from  Heaven,  his  head  was  bare  to 
every  blast  of  adversity,  and  his  heart  bled 
with  all  the  varieties  of  pain.  In  the  course 
of  his  observations,  he  utters  the  genuine 
voice  of  sorrow,  and  pours  forth  his  soul  in 


lamentation  and  woe ;  he  sets  before  us  the 
evil  day  ;  he  shews  us  the  dark  side  of  things, 
and  presents  to  our  view  those  shades  in  the 
picture  of  human  life  which  must  one  day 
meet  our  eye  : — At  length  Klihu  attempts  to 
arbitrate  the  matter  by  alleging  the  impossi- 
bility that  so  frail  and  ignorant  a  creature  as 
man  should  comprehend  the  ways  of  the  Al- 
mighty ;  and  therefore  condemns  the  unjust 
and  cruel  inference  the  three  friends  had 
drawn  from  the  suflPerings  of  Job.  He  also 
blames  Job  for  the  presumption  of  acquitting 
himself  of  all  iniquity^  since  the  best  of  men 
are  not  pure  in  the  sight  of  God — but  all  have 
something  to  repent  of;  and  he  advises  him 
to  make  this  use  of  his  afflictions.  At  last^ 
by  a  bold  figure  of  poetry,  the  Supreme  Be- 
ing himself  is  introduced,  speaking  from  the 
whirlwind,  and  silencing  them  all  by  the  most 
sublime  display  of  his  own  power,  magnifi- 
cence  and  wisdom,  and  of  the  comparative 
littleness  and  ignorance  of  man.  This  indeed 
is  the  only  conclusion  of  the  argument,  which 
could  be  drawn  at  a  time  when  life  and  im- 
mortality  were  not  yet  brought  to  light.  A  fu- 
ture retribution  is  the  only  satisfactory  solu- 
tion of  the  difficulty  arising  from  the  sufferings 
of  good  people  in  this  life.'^ 

In  the  perusal  of  this  short  work,  it  will  be 
obvious  to  the  reader,  that  its  abridgment 
was  not  designed  for  the  well  informed ;  but 
for  the  purpose  of  rendering  it  more  familiar 
and  impressive  on  the  minds  of  those  in  im< 
mature  age. 


CHAP.  I. 

Begins  with  part  of  the  History  and  Calamities  of  Job. 


"Idumean  Job  long  liv'd  in  regal  state, 
Nor  saw  the  sumptuous  East  a  prince  so  great ; 
Whose  worldly  stores  in  such  abundance  flow'd. 
Whose  heart  with  such  exalted  virtue  glow'd. 
At  length  misfortunes  take  their  turn  to  reign, 
And  ills  on  ills  succeed  a  dreadful  train !'' 


i.  There  was  a  man  ia  the  land  of  Uz, 
whose  name  was  Job ;  he  was  perfect  and 
iipright,  one  who  feared  God  and  avoided  evil. 

S.  And  there  were  born  unto  him  seven 
sons,  and  three  daughters. 

3.  He  abounded  also  in  wealth,  consisting 
in  numerous  flocks  and  herds  of  cattle,  and 
had  a  very  large  household,  and  was  honoured 
as  the  greatest  of  all  the  men  in  the  east. 

4.  And,  at  certain  seasons,  his  sons,  in 
their  turns,  kept  a  circular  feast  at  their  res-^ 
pective  houses,  and  invited  their  sisters  to 
meet  with  them  on  those  social  occasions. 

5.  And  when  the  days  of  their  feasting 
were  ended.  Job,  as  his  custom  was,  called 
his  children  to  the  solemn  exercises  of  reli- 
gion, sanctifying  them,  and  offering  burntr 
offerings. 

6.  For,  he  said,  it  may  be  my  children 
have  sinned,  and  provoked  the  anger  of  the 

.  Almighty  in  the  days  of  their  festivity. 

7.  And  on  a  day,  when  his  children  had 

J* 


6 

begun  their  course  of  feasting,  and  were  eat- 
ing and  drinking  at  their  eldest  brother^s 
house,  there  came  a  messenger  unto  Job;  and 


8.  The  oxen  were  ploughing,  and  the  asses 
feeding  beside  them,  and  the  Sabeans  fell 
upon  them,  and  took  them  away ;  yea,  they 
have  slain  the  servants  with  the  edge  of  the 
sword,  and  I  only  am  escaped  alone  to  tell 
thee. 

9.  While  he  was  yet  speaking,  there  came 
also  another,  and  said,  The  lightning  from 
heaven  hath  smitten  the  sheep,  and  the  ser- 
vants, and  consumed  them,  and  I  only  have 
escaped  alone  to  tell  thee. 

10.  While  he  w^as  yet  speaking,  there 
came  also  another,  and  said.  The  Chaldeans 
made  out  three  bands,  and  fell  upon  the  cam- 
els and  carried  them  away,  and  have  likewise 
slain  thy  servants,  and  I  only  am  escaped 
alone  to  tell  thee. 

li .  While  he  was  yet  speaking,  there  came 
also  another,  and  said,  Thy  sons  and  thy 
daughters  were  eating  and  drinking  in  their 
eldest  brother's  house,  and  there  came  a  great 
wind  from  the  wilderness,  and  smote  the  four 
corners  of  the  house,  and  it  fell  upon  them, 
and  they  are  dead,  and  I  only  am  escaped 
alone  to  tell  thee. 

12,  Then  Job  arose,  and  rent  his  robe,  and 
shaved  his  head,  and  fell  down  upon  the 
ground  and  worshipped,  and  said, 

13.  Helpless  and  destitute  came  I  into  the 
world,  poor  and  feeble  must  I  depart  out  of 


it ;  the  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away,  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

1 4?,  After  this  Job  was  smitten  with  sore 
boils,  from  the  sole  of  his  foot  unto  his  crown ; 
and  he  took  a  potsherd  to  scrape  himself 
withal,  and  sat  down  among  the  ashes. 

15.  And  being  tempted  to  entertain  hard 
thoughts  of  Grod,  and  to  express  himself  in 
the  language  of  impiety,  he  pertinently  an- 
swered, What !  shall  we  receive  good  at  the 
hand  of  (rod,  and  not  receive  evil  ? 

16.  When  Job's  three  friends  heard  of  all 
the  evil  that  was  come  upon  him,  they  came 
from  their  respective  homes,  at  an  appointed 
time,  to  mourn  with  him  and  to  comfort  him. 

17*  And  when  they  saw  him  afar  off,  they 
lifted  up  their  voices  and  wept;  and  they 
rent  every  man  his  mantle,  and  sprinkled  dust 
on  their  heads  towards  heaven. 

18.  And  they  sat  down  with  him  upon  the 
ground,  several  days,  lamenting  in  solemn 
silence,  his  deplorable  condition,  for  they  saw 
that  his  grief  was  very  great. 

'^  His  friends  around  the  deep  affliction  mourn'd, 
felt  all  his  pangs  and  groan  for  groan  returned ; 
Jn  anguish  of  their  hearts  their  mantles  rent. 
And  seven  long  days  in  sniemn  silence  spent ; 
A  debt  of  reverence  to  distress  so  great ! 
Thus  Job  conlain'd  no  more,  laments  his  fate.'^ 


s 

CHAP.  11. 

Joh^s  Lamentation. 


^'  At  length  the  suffering  man  with  grief  opprest, 

The  bitter  sorrows  of  his  heart  express'd, 

And  thus  devoted  to  eternal  shame. 

^His  natal  day  whence  all  his  sorrows  came. 

I'm  but  a  stranger  and  a  pilgrim  here 

In  these  wild  regions,  wand'ring  and  forlorn^ 

Restless  and  sighing  for  my  native  home, 

Longing  to  reach  my  weary  space  of  life." 


1.  At  length  Job  gave  utterance  to  the  ful- 
ness of  his  grief,  in  language  expressive  of 
the  greatest  bitterness  of  soul,  and  said, 

S.  Why  died  1  not  from  my  birth?  why 
did  I  not  perish  as  soon  as  I  was  born  ? 

3.  Why  did  the  knees  prevent  me  ?  or  why 
the  breasts  that  I  should  suck  ?  Why  was 
any  care  taken  to  support  a  life  that  would 
be  so  miserable  ? 

4.  For  now  should  I  have  lain  still  and 
been  quiet,  I  should  have  slept  and  been  at 
rest. 

5.  The  sods  of  the  valley  had  been  sweet 
unto  me,  and  the  grave  proved  a  quiet  retreat. 

6.  There  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 
and  there  the  weary  be  at  rest. 

7.  There  the  pr'soners  rest  together,  and 
hear  not  the  voice  of  the  oppressor  ;  the  small 
and  great  are  there,  and  the  servant  is  free 
from  his  master. 

8.  But  1  live  to  experience  sorrow,  and  to 
complain  of  existence  itself  as  a  burden. 


9.  Wherefore  is  life  given  to  hiin  that  is 
in  misery,  and  life  unto  the  bitter  in  soul. 

10.  Who  long  for  death,  but  it  cometh  not, 
and  search  for  it  more  than  for  hidden  treas- 
ures. 

1 1.  Who  rejoice  exceedingly,  and  are  glad 
when  they  can  find  the  grave. 

IS.  Why  is  light  given  to  a  man,  whose 
way  is  hid,  and  whom  God  hath  hedged  in  ? 
who  knows  not  which  way  to  turn  himself, 
and  finds  no  comfort  but  in  the  grave  ? 

13.  For  my  sighing  cometh  before  I  rise, 
and  my  groanings  are  poured  out  like  water. 

14.  For  the  thing  which  1  greatly  feared 
hath  come  upon  me,  and  that  which  I  dreaded 
hath  overtaken  me. 

15.  I  have  no  more  ease,  my  tranquility  is 
departed,  neither  have  I  any  rest,  but  terror 
cometh. 

16.  Bereaved  of  all  my  children,  deprived 
of  all  my  property,  and  visited  with  a  most 
grievous  and  painful  disease  ;  alas  !  there  is 
nothing  to  cheer  me,  there  are  none  to  com- 
fort- 
Thus  Job  recites  his  grief,  regrets  his  fate  : 

"  His  (lay  of  birth,  its  inauspicious  light, 
He  wishes  sunk  in  endless  shades  of  night, 
And  blotted  from  the  year ;  nor  fears  to  crave 
Death,  instant  death,  impatient  for  the  grave, 
That  seat  of  bliss,  that  mansion  of  repose. 
Where  rest  and  mortals  are  no  longer  foes." 


10 
CHAP.  III. 

Eliphaz  passes  some  severe  Strictures. 


"  And  now  Eliphaz  venerably  grave, 
His  eldest  friend  this  reprehension  gave." 

1.  When  Job  had  finished  his  pathetic 
complaint,  Eliphaz,  (one  of  his  visiting 
friends)  answered  and  said, 

2.  If  we  assay  to  commune  with  thee,  wilt 
thou  be  grieved  ?  but  who  can  withhold  him- 
self  from  speaking  ? 

3.  Behold^  thou  hast  instructed  many  :  thy 
words  have  upholden  him  that  was  falling, 
and  thou  hast  administered  consolation  to  the 
afflicted^  and  encouraged  even  the  desponding 
to  hope. 

4.  But  now  the  affliction  thou  didst  soothe 
in  others^  is  come  upon  thee,  and  thou  faint- 
est ;  it  toucheth  thee,  and  thou  art  troubled  ; 
thou  dost  not  practice  thy  own  lesson. 

5.  Consider,  I  pray  thee,  who  ever  perish- 
ed  being  innocent  ?  or  where  were  the  right- 
eous cut  ofi*? 

6.  Even  as  I  have  seen,  they  who  plough 
iniquity  and  sow  wickedness,  reap  the  same, 
and  are  consumed  by  the  breath  of  the  Al- 
mighty. 

7.  In  the  visions  of  the  night,  I  heard  a 
voice  saying,  Shall  mortal  man  be  more  just 
than  God  ?  Shall  a  man  be  more  pure  than 
his  Maker  ? 


11 

8.  Behold^  be  putteth  no  trust  in  his  ser- 
vants, and  his  angels  lie  chargeth  with  folly. 

9.  What  then  are  those  that  dwell  in  houses 
of  clay;  whose  foundation  is  in  the  dust; 
who  are  crushed  before  the  moth  ? 

10.  Great  is  the  Lord,  who  doeth  great 
things  and  unsearchable  ;  marvellous  things 
without  number. 

11.  He  taketh  the  wise  in  their  own  crafti- 
ness, and  the  counsel  of  the  froward  is  car- 
ried headlong. 

12.  They  meet  with  darkness  in  the  day 
time,  and  grope  in  the  noon  day,  as  in  the  night. 

13.  He  saveth  the  poor  from  the  sword, 
and  from  the  hand  of  the  mighty,  and  causeth 
iniquity  to  stop  her  mouth. 

14.  Heboid,  happy  is  the  roan  whom  God 
correcteth ;  therefore  despise  not  thou  the 
chastening  of  the  Lord. 

15.  For  he  m^keth  sore  and  bindeth  up; 
he  woundeth  and  his  hands  maketh  whole. 

16.  He  shall  deliver  thee  in  six  troubles; 
yea,  in  seven  there  shall  no  evil  happen  thee. 

17*  Thou  shait  be  hid  from  the  scourge  of 
slander,  and  shall  not  be  troubled  at  destruc- 
tion  and  famine. 

18.  Thy  seed  shall  be  great,  and  thine  off- 
spring as  the  grass  of  the  earth,  and  the  bless^ 
ings  of  peace  shall  be  upon  thy  tabernacle. 

i9.  Thou  shalt  come  to  thy  grave  in  a  full 
age,  like  as  a  shock  of  corn  cometh  in  season. 

20.  Behold  we  have  searched  into  the 
matter,  and  are  fully  convinced  of  the  truth 
of  it;  hearken  and  receive  instruction,  and 
apply  it  for  thy  good. 


IS 
CHAP.  IV. 

Job^s  Reply. 


"  When  will  my  long  protracted  troubles  cease, 

And  this  tormented  sufferer  be  at  peace  ? 

Each  lingering  night  in  agonies  I  lie, 

And  often  wish,  but  wish  in  vain  to  die. 

To  me  no  friendly  respites  e'er  return, 

Nor  gives  the  evenings  ease,  nor  joy  the  morn." 


1.  Then  Job  answered  and  said,  O!  that 
my  grief  were  thoroughly  weighed,  and  my 
calamity  laid  in  the  balances  together, 

3.  I  want  words  to  express  my  sorrow,  for 
the  arrows  of  the  Almighty  are  within  me ! 
the  poison  whereof  drinketh  up  my  spirit,  and 
the  terrors  of  God  do  set  themselves  in  array 
against  me. 

3.  When  I  lie  down,  I  say  when  shall  1 
arise,  and  the  night  be  gone?  wearisome 
nights  are  appointed  unto  me,  and  I  am  full 
of  tossings  to  and  fro  unto  the  dawning  of  the 
day. 

4.  When  1  say  my  bed  shall  comfort  me, 
my  couch  shall  ease  my  complaints,  then  am 
I  scared  with  dreams  and  terrified  with  visions. 

5.  To  him  who  is  afflicted,  pity  should  be 
shewed  from  his  friend  ;  buf  now  you  are 
nothing ;  you  see  my  casting  down  and  are 
afraid. 

6*  How  forcible  are  right  words  !  but  what 
doth  your  arguing  reprove  ? 
7«  Teach  me  and  I  will  hold  my  tongue  ; 


13 

and  cause  me  to  understand  wherein  I  have 
erred. 

8.  Is  there  iniquity  in  my  tongue  ?  cannot 
my  taste  discern  perverse  things  ? 

9.  Is  there  not  an  appointed  time  for  man 
upon  earth?  are  not  his  days  as  the  days  of 
an  hireling,  who  looketh  for  the  end  and  re- 
ward  of  his  work  ? 

10.  My  days  are  swifter  than  a  weaver's 
shuttle,  and  are  spent  without  hope  ;  mine  eye 
shall  no  more  see  good. 

11.  The  eye  of  him  who  hath  seen  me^  shall 
see  me  no  more  ;  for  as  the  cloud  is  consumed, 
and  vanisheth  aw^ay,  so  he  that  goeth  down 
to  the  grave,  shall  come  up  no  more. 

13.  He  shall  return  no  more  to  his  house, 
neither  shall  his  place  know  him  any  more. 

13.  Therefore  I  will  not  refrain  my  miiuth, 
I  will  speak  in  the  anguish  of  my  spirit,  and 
complain  in  the  bitterness  of  my  squI. 

14.  My  soul  chooseth  death  rather  than  a 
life  which  has  become  loathsome  ;  I  would 
not  live  alway ;  let  me  alone,  for  my  days  are 
vanity. 

15.  What  is  man,0  Lord,  that  thou  should- 
est  magnify  him?  and  that  thou  doth  set  thine 
heart  upon  him  ? 

16.  That  thouvisiteth  him  every  morning, 
and  tryest  him  every  moment? 

17.  1  have  sinned  ;  what  shall  I  sa^  unto 
thee,  O  thou  Preserver  of  men  ?  Why  hast 
thou  set  me  as  a  mark  against  thee,  so  thatl 
am  a  burden  to  myself? 

18.  Why  withdraw  not  thy  displeasure, 
and  attend  to  my  supplication  ?  I  am  broken 

S 


14 

as  in  a  tempestuous  sea^  and  my  wounds  are 
increased  without  cause. 

1 9.  If  therefore  I  seek  for  strength^  it  ia 
subdued  by  my  weakness  ;  if  I  speak  of  judg- 
ment^ who  will  allow  me  to  plead  ? 

20.  O  that  I  could  have  my  request,  and 
that  God  would  grant  me  the  thing  I  long  for  ! 

SI.  Even  that  it  would  please  God  to  let 
loose  his  hand,  and  cut  me  off,  that  I  might 
sleep  in  the  dust  and  be  at  rest. 

"  Job^s  words  wer.e  daring,and  displeas'd  his  friends. 

His  conduct  they  reprove,  and  he  defends. 

And  now  they  kindled  into  warm  debate, 

And  sentiments  oppos'd  with  equal  he^it ; 

Fix'd  in  opinion,  both  refuse  to  yield, 

And  summon  all  their  reason  to  the  field. 

So  high  at  length  their  arguments  were  wrought. 

They  reach'd  the  last  extent  of  human  thought.' 


CHAP.  V. 

Bildad  remonstrates  with   Job, 


-'  Then  Bildad  his  opinion  spoke  :  How  long. 
How  far  will  rage  this  tempest  of  thy  tongue  ? 
Can  the  great  source  of  justice  and  of  pow'r, 
Who  darts  the  lightning,  and  bestows  the  show'r, 
Pervert  his  judgment,  and  his  good  apply, . 
_  And  bless  and  punish  by  a  rule  awry  ?" 

1.  Then  answered  Bildad,  {another  of 
Job's  visitors,)  and  said, 

S.  How  long  wilt  thou  speak  these  things  ? 
and  how  long  shall  thy  words  be  like  a  strong 
wind  ? 


15 

3.  Doth  (rod  pervert  judgment,  as  thy 
words  seem  to  imply  ;  or  doth  the  Almighty 
pervert  justice  ? 

4.  Dominion  and  fear  are  with  him ;  he 
maketh  peace  in  his  high  places. 

5.  Is  there  any  number  of  his  armies  ?  and 
upon  whom  doth  not  his  light  arise  ? 

6.  How  then  can  man  be  justified  with 
God  ?  or  how  can  he  be  clean,  who  is  born  of 
a  woman? 

7.  Behold  he  looketh  upon  the  moon,  and 
it  shineth  not  ?  yea,  the  stars  are  not  pure 
in  his  sight. 

8.  How  much  less  is  man,  that  is  a  worm, 
and  the  son  of  man,  who  is  the  offspring  of 
such  a  reptile. 

9.  We  are  but  of  yesterday  and  know 
nothing  :  because  our  days  upon  earth  are  a 
shadow. 

10«  Wherefore,  inquire,  I  pray  thee,  of 
former  ages ;  and  prepare  thyself  to  search 
of  the  fathers. 

11.  Shall  not  they  teach  thee,  and  tell 
thee,  and  utter  words  out  of  thine  heart,  for 
thy  conviction. 

IS.  Though  God  should  cast  away  thy 
children  for  their  transgression ;  yet  do  thou 
seek  unto  him  betimes,  and  make  thy  suppli- 
cation to  the  Almighty,  instead  of  com- 
plaining. 

13.  Surely  if  thou  wert  pure  and  upright, 
he  would  awake  for  thee,  and  make  the  habit- 
ation  of  thy  righteousness  prosperous. 

14.  Though  thy  beginning  was  small ;  yet 
th  y  latter  end  will  greatly  increase ;  though 


16 

thou  art  reduced  very  low,  yet  thy  prosperity 
will  be  greater  than  ever  it  was. 

Ifr.  He  will  fill  thy  heart  with  gladness, 
and  thy  lips  with  rejoicing,  till  thou  shall  be 
so  remarkably  blessed,  as  not  to  be  able  to 
contain  thy  joy. 

16.  Behold  God  will  not  cast  away  a  perfect 
man,  neither  will  he  leave  thee,  if  thou  re- 
pent and  art  upright. 

17.  They  who  hated  thee,  and  rejoiced  at 
thy  fall,  shall  be  clothed  with  shame,  and  con- 
founded  at  thy  growing  prosperity. 

18.  And  the  dwelling  place  of  the  wicked 
shall  come  to  nought,  so  as  not  to  be  able  to 
hurt  thee. 

19.  The  hypocrite's  hope  shall  perish,  and 
his  trust  shall  be  as  a  spider's  web,  easily 
broken,  and  blown  away, 

50.  He  shall  lean  upon  his  house,  but  it 
shall  not  stand  ;  he  shall  hold  it  fast,  but  it 
shall  not  endure. 

51.  He  may  trust  to  the  multitude  of  his 
children  and  servants,  and  his  great  wealth  j 
but  all  will  disappoint  him. 

CHAP.  VL 

Joh^s  Vindication. 


'^  I  know,  Job  answered,  verily  I  know, 
Wrong  from  eternal  justice  ne'er  can  flow." 


1.  Then  Job  answered  and  said,  1  know 
for  a  truth,  that  no  man  can  be  just  before 
God  ;  for 


17 

2.  If  God  should  contend  with  him,  sorrow 
and  disquietude  of  mind,  and  the  bitterest 
reflections  would  be  the  issue. 

3.  He  is  pure  in  heart,  and  great  in 
strength,  the  all-wise,  Almighty  God ;  who 
ever  hardened  himself  against  him  and  pros- 
pered ? 

4.  He  reraoveth  the  mountains,  and  they 
know  it  not :  He  overturneth  them  in  his 
anger. 

d.  He  shaketh  the  earth  out  of  her  place, 
and  the  pillars  thereof  tremble. 

6.  He  commandeth  the  sun  and  it  riseth 
not,  and  sealeth  up  the  stars. 

7.  He  alone  spreadeth  out  the  heavens, 
presideth  over  the  constellations,  and  tread- 
eth  upon  the  waves  of  the  sea. 

8.  He  doth  great  things  past  finding  out^ 
yea,  and  wonders  without  number. 

9.  Behold,  he  taketh  away,  who  can  hin- 
der him  ?  who  will  say  unto  him,  what  doest 
thou? 

10.  If  I  justify  myself,  mine  own  mouth 
will  condemn  me;  if  I  say  1  am  perfect,  it 
will  prove  me  perverse. 

H.  Though  I  am  conscious  of  integrity, 
yet  1  blush  before  God,  and  adore  his  provi- 
dence, who  hath  so  deeply  plunged  me  in 
woe,  that  I  am  weary  of  life. 

IS.  From  hence  I  argue,  that  the  righteous 
are  not  exempt  from  sorrow  and  calamity,  in 
this  world,  but  the  scourge  of  heaven  falleth 
upon  the  perfect  and  the  wicked. 

13.  If  I  say  I  will  forget  my  complaint,  I 
will  leave  off  my  heaviness,  and  comfort  my- 


18 

self;  I  am  afraid,  O  my  God;  for  I  know 
that  thou  wilt  not  hold  me  innocent. 

14.  If  I  wash  my  hands  in  snow  water, 
and  make  myself  ever  so  white  and  clean,  yet 
I  cannot  clear  myself  from  all  imputations,  or 
fully  prove  my  innocence. 

±5.  Yet  thou  wilt  plunge  me  in  the  mire, 
and  my  own  garments  will  make  me  to  be  ab- 
horred by  myself  and  friends. 

16,  For  thou  art  not  a  man,  as  I  am,  that  1 
should  answer  thee  ;  and  that  we  should  come 
together  in  judgment. 

17-  O  take  thy  rod  away  from  me,  and  let 
not  thy  fear  terrify  me. 

18.  Then  would  I  plead  my  cause,  with 
humble  confidence ;  but  such  is  my  present 
distress,  that  I  am  all  confusion,  I  have  no 
composure  or  fortitude  of  mind. 


CHAP.  VIL 

Appeal  of  Job  to  God. 


^'  I  pray  thee  let  me  grieve,  O  grant  me  tliis 
To  use  at  least,  the  right  of  lamentation. 
O  that  ray  wailings  could  but  ease  my  woe, 
Or  that  my  voice  could  hasten  death  along, 
To  give  my  miseries  their  only  cure  !" 


1.  Nevertheless,  I  must  give  scope  to 
my  complaint,  and  speak  in  the  bitterness  of 
my  soul,  for  I  am  weary  of  life. 

8.  1  will  say  unto  Grod;  do  not  condemn 


19 

me  ;  shew  me  wherefore  thou  contendest  with 
me,  what  are  my  crimes  for  which  1  siiflfer 
more  than  others. 

3.  Can  it  be  pleasure  to  thee,  to  chastise 
the  innocent,  to  despise  the  work  of  thine 
hand;  and  shine  upon  the  counsel  of  the 
wicked  ? 

4.  Are  thy  days  as  the  days  of  a  man  ?  or 
seest  thou  as  man  seeth  ? 

5.  If  thou  searchest  after  my  sin,  thy 
knowledge  will  clear  me  of  wilful  transgres- 
sion ;  but  none  can  deliver  out  of  thine  hand. 

6.  Thine  hands  have  made  and  fashioned 
me  together  round  about,  thou  knowest  me 
perfectly,  yet  thou  dost  destroy  me,  art  cut- 
ting  me  off  by  afflictions. 

7.  Remember,  I  beseech  thee,  that  thou 
hast  made  me  as  the  clay;  and  wilt  thou 
bring  me  into  dust  again  ? 

8.  Thou  hast  granted  me  life  and  favour, 
and  thy  visitations  have  preserved  my  spirit, 
and  thy  good  providence  and  care  have  still 
supported  and  sustained  me. 

9.  If  I  sin,  thou  markest  me  ;  and  thou  wilt 
not  acquit  me  from  mine  iniquity. 

10.  If  I  be  wicked,  woe  unto  me  ;  and  if 
1  be  righteous,  yet  I  cannot  lift  up  my  head  ; 
I  am  full  of  confusion. 

11.  Therefore  see  thou  my  affliction,  for  it 
increaseth ;  changes  and  war  are  against  me. 

13.  Wherefore  hast  thou  brought  me  forth 
out  of  the  womb  ?  Oh  that  I  had  given  up 
the  ghost,  and  no  eye  had  seen  me  ! 

13.  I  should  have  been,  as  though  I  had 
not  been  ;  I  should  have  been  carried  from 


the  womb  to  the  grave^  and  escaped  these^ 
calamities. 

14i.  Are  not  my  days  few  ?  cease  then,  and 
let  me  alone,  that  I  may  take  comfort,  and 
have  a  little  respite, 

id.  Before  i  go  whence  I  shall  not  return, 
even  to  the  laud  of  darkness,  and  the  shadow 
of  death. 

What  sullen  star  rul'd  my  untimely  birth  ? 

That  would  not  lend  my  days  one  hour  of  mirth. 

How  oft  have  these  bare  knees  been  bent  to  gain 

The  slender  alms  of  one  poor  smile  in  vain ! 

How  often,  tir'd  with  the  fastidious  light, 

Have  my  faint  lips  implor'd,the  shades  of  night? 

How  often  have  my  nightly  torments  pray'd 

For  lingering  twilight,  glutted  with  the  shade  ! 

Why  was  I  born  ?  Why  was  I  bom  a  man  ? 

Or  why  proportion'd  by  so  large  a  span  ? 

Or  why  suspended  from  the  common  lot, 

And   being  born  to  die,  why  die  I    not  ? 

The  branded  slave  who  tugs  the  weary  oar, 

Obtains  the  Sabbath  of  a  welcome  shore ; 

His  ransom'd  stripes  are  heaPd ;  his  native  soil 

Sweetens  the  mem'ry  of  his  foreign  toil ; 

May  it  please  kind  heav'n  once  to  dissolve 

These  fleshly  fetters,  that  so  fast  involve 

My  hamper'd  life  ;  then  should  my  soul  be  bless'd 

From  all  these  ills,  and  wrap  her  thoughts  in  rest. 


CHAP.  VIII. 

Job  reproved. 


"  Be  humble  Job,  presume  not  God  to  scan, 
Nor  doubt  his  justice  to  his  creature  man. 


^1 

Who  did  the  soul  with  her  rich  pow'rs  invest, 
And  light  up  reason  in  the  human  breast, 
To  shine  with  fresh  increase  of  lustre  bright, 
When  stars  and  suns  are  set  in  endless  night ; 
Who  taught  the  nations  of  the  field  and  wood  ? 
To  shun  their  poison,  and  to  choose  their  food ' 
Prescient  the  tides,  or  tempest  to  withstand, 
Build  on  the  wave,  or  arch  beneath  the  sand  ? — 
— God  in  the  nature  of  each  being  sounds 
Its  proper  bliss,  and  sets  its  proper  bounds." 

1.  Canst  thou  by  searching  find  out  God? 
canst  thou  find  out  the  Almighty  unto  perfec 
tion  ? 

2.  It  is  high  as  heaven,  what  canst  thou 
do  ?  deeper  than  hell,  what  canst  thou  know  ? 

3.  The  measure  thereof  is  longer  than  the 
earth,  broader  than  the  sea. 

4.  He  discovereth  deep  things  out  of  dark- 
ness,  and  bringeth  to  light  hidden  things  from 
the  shadow  of  death. 

5.  By  the  decrees  of  the  Almighty  the  na- 
tions of  the  earth  are  increased  ;  in  his  hands 
is  the  soul  of  wery  living  thing,  and  the 
breath  of  all  mankind. 

6.  Behold,  he  breaketh  down,  and  it  can- 
not be  built  up  again ;  he  shutteth  up,  and 
there  can  be  no  opening. 

7.  Behold,  he  withholdeth  the  rivers,  and 
they  dry  up ;  also  he  sendeth  them  out,  and 
they  overflow  the  earth. 

8.  Hearken  unto  these  things,  O  Job,  con- 
sider the  wondrous  works  of  God. 

9.  Marvellously  doth  he  speak  with  his 
voice  ;  great  things  doth  He,  which  man  can- 
not comprehend,     y 


23 

10.  Wilt  thou  therefore  coiiteiul  with  the 
Almighty,  realizing  his  power  ?  shall  he  that 
darkeneth  counsel  without  knowledge,  op- 
pose his  Maker?  or  dare  he  reprove  the  Most 
High  ? 

U.  Where  wast  thou  when  the  foundations 
of  the  earth  were  fixed  ?  and  the  measure 
thereof  assigned  ? 

12.  Knowest  thou  whereon  the  line  was 
stretched,  or  the  corner-stone  was  laid  ?  on 
what  centre  doth  it  rest?  and  how  are  its 
parts  united  ? 

i3.  When  the  morning  stars  sang  togeth- 
er, and  the  sons  of  God  shouted  for  joy. 

1  i.  Knowest  thou  who  maketh  a  way  for 
the  overflowing  of  the  waters  ?  which  satis- 
fieth  the  desolate  and  waste  ground,  and 
causeth  the  bud  of  the  tender  herb  to  shoot 
forth. 

15.  Or  who  restraineth  the  raging  of  the 
sea,  when  the  billows  thereof  brake  forth,  as 
though  issued  from  the  womb  ? 

16.  And  commanded  tham,  that  hitherto 
they  should  come,  and  no  further  :  and  here 
shall  their  proud  waves  be  stayed  ? 

17.  Hath  the  rain  a  father  ?  or  who  begat 
the  drops  of  the  dew  ?  from  what  source 
came  the  ice  ?  who  scattereth  the  hoar  frost, 
and  prepareth  the  treasures  of  the  snow  and 
hail? 

18.  Who  bestoweth  knowledge  in  the  in- 
ward parts,  and  giveth  understanding  to  the 
heart  ? 

19.  Who  in  the  various  seasons  instructs 
the  winged  creation  in  their  regular  courses  ? 


23 

20.  Doth  the  hawk  fly  by  thy  wisdom,  and 
stretch  her  wiugs  towards  the  south  ?  Doth 
the  eagle  mount  up  at  thy  command,  and 
make  her  nest  on  high  ? 

SI.  Or  who  provideth  for  the  raven  his 
food  ?  when  his  young  ones  cry  unto  trod,  the 
universal  parent? 

22.  By  whose  orders  is  the  whirlwind  di- 
rected from  the  west,  and  cold  from  the 
north  ?  who  balanceth  the  clouds  whereby 
the  earth  is  softened  by  the  south  wind  ? 

^3.  Knowest  thou  the  ordinances  of  heav- 
en ?  or  by  what  means  the  day  spring  was 
caused  to  know  its  place? 

24.  Have  the  gates  of  the  grave  been  open 
to  thee  ?  or  hast  thou  explored  the  mansions 
of  the  dead  ? 

25.  Cease  then  thy  complaints,  and  be  as- 
sured the  decrees  of  the  Almighty  will  be 
established. 

26.  Upon  the  earth  there  is  none  like  him  ; 
lie  bBholdeth  all  things,  and  from  him  no 
thought  can  be  hid,  nor  the  most  secret  action 
concealed  from  his  view  : 

27.  He  is  wise  in  counsel  and  mighty  in 
work,  and  all  his  ways  are  right. 

"  Why  give  thy  tongue  a  loose  so  bold  and  vain. 
Censure  my  conduct  and  reproves  my  reign  ? 
Lift  up  thy  thoughts  against  me  from  the  dust, 
And  tell  the  world's  Creator  what  is  just  ? 
Where  didst  thou  dwell  at  nature's  early  birth  ? 
Who  laid  th'  foundations  for  the  spacious  earth  ? 
Who  fix'd  the  corner  stone  ?  What  hand  declare, 
Hung  it  on  nought^  and  fasten'd  it  in  air : 


S4 

When  the  bright  morning  stars  in  concert  sung, 
When  heav'n's  high  arch  with  loud  hosanna's  rung, 
When  shouting  sons  of  God,  the  triumph  crown'd, 
And  the  wide  concave  thunder'd  with  the  sound  ? 
Earth's  numerous  kingdoms,  hast  thou  vie  wM  them  all  *? 
And  can  thy  span  of  knowledge  grasp  the  ball  ? 
What  worlds  hast   thou  produced,  what  creatures 

fram-d, 
What  insects  cherish'd,  that  thy  God  is  blam'd[? 
Am  I  a  debtor  ?   hast  thou  ever  heard 
Whence  come  those  gifts  that  are  by  me  conferred  ? 
My  lavish  fruit  a  thousand  vallies  fills, 
And  mine  the  herds,  that  graze  a  thousand  hills  ; 
Earth,  sea,  and  air,  all  nature  is  my  own. 
And  stars,  and  sun,  are  dust  beneath  my  throne  : 
Fond  man  !  the  vision  of  a  moment  made  ! 
Dream  of  a  dream  !  and  shadow  of  a  shade  ! 
Thou  know'st  me  not ;  thy  blindness  cannot  see 
How  vast  a  distance  parts  thy  God  and  thee." 


CHAP.  IX. 

Job^s  address  to  his  friends. 


''  O  why  should  tortur'd  Job  his  sighs  refrain  ! 
Or  suffering  thus,  why  should  he  not  complain  ? 
Allow  him  prostrate  then  to  ask  his  God, 
Why  thus  he  breaks  an  animated  clod  ?" 


1.  Hear  again  attentively  my  speech  and 
declaration  with  your  ears.  Lo !  mine  eyes 
have  seen  all  this,  and  mine  ears  have  heard 
and  understood  it;  what  ye  know,  the  same 
also  I  know^  I  am  not  regardless  of  it. 


^o 


S.  Oh  that  ye  would  altogether  hold  your 
peace,  and  therein  would  be  your  w  isdom ; 
my  friends  accuse  me  wrongfully,  and  reason 
deceitfully  :  my  sincerity  they  reproach^  and 
my  complaints  they  cast  off. 

3.  Behold^  I  will  now  submit  my  cause,  1 
know  I  shall  be  justified  ;  the  Lord  will 
be  my  salvation,  my  only  hope  and  deliver- 
er, therefore  though  he  afflicts  me,  yet  will  I 
trust  in  him. 

4.  For  all  things  are  with  him,  and  what- 
soever he  ordaineth  will  surely  come  to 
pass. 

5.  For  what  is  the  life  of  man,  but  of  few 
days  and  full  of  trouble  ?  he  cometh  forth  as 
a  flower,  and  is  cut  down  ;  he  fleeth  also  as  a 
shadow  and  continueth  not. 

6.  Seeing  his  days  are  determined,  and 
the  number  of  months  in  which  his  bounds 
are  fixed. 

7.  Tlmugh  the  root  of  a  tree  wax  old  ia 
the  earth,  and  the  stock  thereof  die  in  the 
ground,  yet  there  is  hope  if  it  be  cut  down 
that  it  will  again  sprout,  and  the  tended*  branch 
thereof  will  not  fail. 

8.  And  dost  thou  open  thine  eyes  upon 
such  an  one  to  bring  me  into  judgment  with 
thee  ?  for  who  can  bring  a  clean  thing  out  of 
an  unclean  ? 

9.  O  my  God,  turn  from  me,  that  I  may- 
rest  till  thy  purpose  be  accomplished. 

10.  Withhold  thy  rebukes,  and  shew  me 
all  my  error,  that  I  may  reclaim  my  wander- 
ings, and  yet  walk  before  thee  in  the  land  of 
the  living. 

3 


26 

11.  For  if  a  man  once  transgress,  shall 
he  not  live  to  repent ;  but  if  a  man  die  he 
shall  live  again?  All  the  days  of  my  ap- 
pointed tinie^  I  will  wait  till  my  great  change 
come. 

12.  Suffer  me  further  to  speak,  and  hear 
me  diligently,  and  after  thus  speaking,  re- 
prove me.  As  for  me,  is  my  complaint  to 
man  ;  if  it  were  so,  1  should  not  then  be 
troubled. 

13.  I  know  that  the  hypocrite  is  as  stubble 
before  the  wind,  and  as  chaff  that  the  storm 
carrieth  away  ?  how  oft  is  the  candle  of  the 
wicked  put  out,  and  how  oft  cometh  their  de- 
struction,  for  God  distributeth  sorrow  in  his 
anger. 

1-4.  We  provoke  God  by  departing  from 
'  him,  and  how  rash  is  it  to  say  to  the  Almighty, 
Depart  from  us,  we,  desire  not  the  knowledge 
of  thy  ways  ;  or  who  is  the  Almighty,  that  we 
should  serve  him,  or  what  profit  if  we  pray 
unto  him  ? 

15.  Do  ye  presume,  that  any  can  teach 
God  knowledge,  seeing  he  judgeth  thosd  who 
are  high  ;  can  any  declare  to  him  his  deal- 
ings ;  may  any  one  say  unto  him,  what  doest 
thou  ? 

16.  Know  ye  not,  that  one  dieth  in  full 
strength,  being  in  perfect  ease  and  quiet,whea 
his  breasts  are  full  of  milk,  and  his  bones  ai^e 
moistened  with  marrow  ; 

17-  And  another  dieth  in  the  bitterness  of 
his  soul,  and  never  eateth  with  pleasure? 
They  shall  lie  down  alike  in  the  dust,  and 
the  worms  shall  cover  them. 


27 

18.  Whea  I  consider  these  things  I  am 
afraid  ;  fearfulness  taketh  hold  on  me;  but  1 
am  assured  the  fear  of  the  Lord  is  wisdom, 
and  to  depart  from  evil,  that  is  understanding. 


CHAP.  X. 

Eliphaz*s  reproof  to  job. 


-'  Eliphaz  again  engag'd  in  the  dispute, 
And  strove  the  sufferer's  reason  to  confute. 
What  can  ye  add,  for  all  your  words  are  faint, 
The  Almighty's  works  no  eloquence  can  paint, 
No  more  can  be  in  mortal  sounds  exprest, 
But  vast  eternity  shall  tell  the  rest." 


!•  Eliphaz  again  sharply  reproached  Job, 
and  said,  Should  a  wise  man  utter  vain 
knowledge  ?  Should  he  reason  with  unproflt- 
able  talk,  or  with  speeches  wherewith  he 
can  do  no  good  ? 

S.  Should  he  make  void  the  fear  of  Grod, 
and  restrain  prayer  before  him  ?  Are  the 
consolations  of  God  small  with  thee  ?  Is 
there  any  secret  thing  with  thee? 

3.  Art  thou  tlie  first  man  who  was  born  ? 
or  wast  thou  made  before  the  hills  ?  Dost 
thou  know  the  council  of  God,  and  claim  his 
knowledge  to  thyself?  Are  his  councils 
only  known  to  thee  ? 

4.  What  knowest  thou,  that  we  know  not  ? 
Or  what  understandeth  thou,  that  we  are  ig- 
norant  of?  With  us  alike  are  the  grey- 
headed  and  very  aged. 


2S 

5.  Wliy  dost  thine  he«ivL  carry  thee  away? 
And  wliy  tnriiest  thou  thy  spirit  against  God, 
andlettest  out  words  from  thy  mouth  ?  And 
why  are  thy  repinings  against  the  ways  of 
the  Almi2;htv  ? 

6.  For  thy  mouth  nttereth  thine  iniquity, 
and  thou  choosest  the  tongue  of  the  crafty, 
covering  tljy  principles  and  apinions  with 
vain  pretences  of  piety  and  respect  for  Grod. 

7.  For  what  is  man,  tiiat  he  should  be 
clean?  or  he  who  is  horn  of  a  woman,  that 
he  should  be  righteous,  as  in  a,  little  time  all 
his  thoughts  will  perish  ? 

8.  Behold  God  putteth  no  trust  even  in  his 
saints,  and  the  heavens  are  not  clean  in  his 
sight ;  how  much  more  abominable  and  vain 
is  man,  who  drinketh  iniquity  like  water. 

9.  The  wicked  man  travelleth  with  pain  ; 
trouble  and  anguish  make  him  afraid  all  his 
days,  and  the  number  of  his  years  are  per- 
plexed  :  a  continual  sound  is  in  his  ears,  for 
destruction  surely  awaits  him. 

10.  For  he  strengtheneth  himself  against 
the  Almighty  ;  he  stretcheth  out  his  hand 
against  God  ;  let  him  not  then  be  deceived, 
that  trusteth  in  vanity,  as  that  shall  be  the 
recompense  of  all  those  who  depart  from  the 
living  God. 

li.  Disquietude  of  mind,  therefore,  awaits 
the  profligate  ;  yea,  the  light  of  the  impious 
shall  be  put  out  ;  no  joy  shall  shine  in  their 
tabernacles  ;  tL-  ir  roots  shall  be  dried  up, 
and  their  branches  cut  off. 

1^.  Those  that  beheld  this,  were  astonisli- 
ed,  as    they  w  ho  went    before  were   afraid, 


S9 


saying,  Such  are  the  dwellings  of  the  unright- 
eous^ and  such  are  the  places^  that  know  not 
God. 

13.  But  God  will  not  east  away  a  perfect 
man^  neither  will  he  help  the  evil  doers. 


CHAP.  XL 


*•  The  mourner  answer'd,  in  lamenting  strain  , 
Still  is  it  stiff  rebellion  to  complain  ? 
Alas  1  the  mountain's  weight  of  woes  I  feel, 
Nor  groans  can  equal,  nor  complaint  reveal." 


i.  Then  Job  answered  and  said^  I  have 
heard  many  such  things  ;  miserable  comfort- 
ers are  ye  all ;  these  reflections  are  of  little 
use,  and  do  but  increase,  instead  of  lessening 
my  pains, 

2.  Shall  vain  words  ever  have  an  end  ? 
But  what  emboldeneth  ye  to  answer  ?  or  for 
what  cause  do  ye  thus  oppress  me? 

3.  But  now  ye  make  me  weary,  and  tire 
me  out  with  idle  repetitions,  smiting  me  re- 
proachfully and  treating  me  with  scorn. 

4.  Wherefore  do  ye  write  bitter  things 
against  me,  striving  to  make  me  suflfer  for  the 
errors  of  my  past  life. 

5.  Why  chase  a  withered  leaf,  that^s  driven 
to  and  fro?  And  why  pursue  the  dry  stubble  ? 

6.  Why  hold  ye  my  feet  in  the  stocks,  and 
observe  ye  so  narrowly  my  paths,  and  count 
me  for  your  enemy  ? 

3* 


30 

7.  Should  I  speak  as  ye  do,  and  thus  mul- 
tiply words,  and  censure  your  conduct,  ye 
would  become  a  by- word,  and  a  scorn  among 
the  people. 

8.  O  that  your  soul  was  in  my  souPs  stead, 
and  ye  knew  how  to  feel  for  my  sorrows. 

1).  Alas!  my  enemies  have  gathered  them- 
selves against  me  ;  they  afflict  me  on  every 
side  ;  they  have  stript  me  of  my  glory,  and 
have  taken  the  crown  from  my  head,  and  laid 
snares  for  my  destruction. 

10.  By  your  example,  ray  brethren  go  far 
from  me,  and  my  acquaintance  are  verily  es- 
tranged from  me. 

11.  Kven  those  who  dwell  in  my  house, 
count  me  a  stranger.  If  I  call  my  servants, 
no  answer  is  given  ;  1  am  even  thought  an 
alien  in  their  sight. 

12.  My  situation  is  dreary  and  desolate 
indeed ;  those  who  in  my  prosperity  were 
friends,  now  forsake  me  ;  those  w  horn  I  lov- 
ed, are  turned  against  me ;  I  am  deserted  and 
alike  distressed. 

13.  Have  pity  on  me,  have  pity  on  me,  O 
ye  my  friends,  for  the  hand  of  God  hath 
touched  me,  not  to  scourge,  but  to  try  me  ; 
not  to  chastise,  but  to  improve  me. 

14.  O  that  my  words  were  now  written  ! 
O  that  they  were  recorded  in  a  book ;  that 
they  were  engraven  with  an  iron  pea  in  the 
rock  forever;  that  others  maybe  instructed 
by  my  speech,  and  instructed  by  my  example. 

15.  Though  1  speak,  my  grief  is  not  as- 
suaged ;  and  though  1  forbear,  wherein  do  I 
find  comfort  ? 


31 

16.  I  was  at  rest,  but  am  now  rent  asun- 
der ;  mine  eyes  are  dim  by  reason  of  sorrow, 
and  all  my  thoughts  are  as  a  shadow. 

17.  1  have, put  on  sackcloth,  and  prostrat- 
ed myself  in  the  dust ;  my  face  is  foul  with 
weeping,  and  on  my  eye-lids  is  the  shadow 
of  death. 

18.  Alas  !  I  am  disconsolate,  am  broken  ; 
breach  upon  breach,  my  days  are  posting ; 
the  grave  is  ready  for  me. 

19.  I  have  said  to  corruption.  Thou  art  my 
father  ;  to  the  worms,  ye  are  my  brethren  ; 
and  where  is  my  hope,  and  who  shall  behold 
it,  for  my  purposes  are  broken  oflF,  even  the 
thoughts  of  my  heart. 

20.  And  though  my  friends  forsake  me, 
my  witness  is  in  heaven,  and  my  record  on 
high,  my  pleading  is  with  God,  as  a  mortal 
pleadeth  for  his  friend. 

21.  But  a  great  cause  of  my  grief  arises 
from  a  consciousness  of  having  sinned  against 
so  much  goodness,  and  provoked  such  tender 
mercy. 

8S.  Mine  iniquities  deserve  his  righteous 
displeasure,  but  his  goodness  reacheth  from 
heaven  to  earth. 

£3.  May  the  remorse  which,I  now  feel,  be 
the  only  punishment  of  my  sin,  from  him  who 
hath  kept  mine  eyes  from  tears,  and  my  feet 
from  falling. 

24.  JBut  this  I  am  assured,  that  my  4le- 
deemer  liveth,  and  that  he  will  stand  at  the 
latter  day  on  earth,  and  though  my  reins  be 
consumed  within  me,  I  shall  not  fear  ; 

25.  Though  worms  destroy  this  body,  y6t 


32 

in  my  flesh  I  shall  see  God^  whom  I  shall  see 
for  myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold  him, 
who  will  surely  vindicate  my  cause,  and  re- 
store to  me  comfort, 

'^  There  holy  souls  perpetual  Sabbaths  keep, 
And  never  are  concerned  for  food  or  sleep. 
Theresaintsarrive,  with  wreaths  of  light  arecrown'd. 
While  tuned  harps  with  louder  trumpets  sound. 
There  joyful  Seraphs  sacred  hymns  begin, 
And  raptur'd  Cherubs  hallelujahs  sing. 
Whence  are  my  hopes,  my  pleasures,  and  my  love  ? 
My  thoughts,  and  noblest  passions  are  above." 


CHAP.  XII. 

Zophar's  Observations. 

•'  Zophar  then  boldly  his  presumption  check'd, 
And  bade  him  God  and  his  decrees  respect." 

1.  My  thoughts  cause  me  to  answer,  and 
for  this  I  make  haste.  I  have  heen  reproach- 
ed, but  the  spirit  of  my  understanding  causeth 
a  reply. 

2.  Knowest  thou  not  of  old,  since  mortals 
were  placed  on  earth,  that  the  triumphing  of 
the  wicked  man  is  short,  and  his  joy  but  for 
a  moment  ? 

3.  Though  his  name  be  universally  re- 
nowned, though  his  power  be  under  no  con- 
trol, and  his  commands  every  where  obeyed  ; 

4.  Yet  if  he  hath  oppressed  and  forsaken 
the  poor,  and  hath  violently  taken  away  the 


33 

scanty  substance  of  the  necdy^  without  jus- 
tice and  without  restitution^ 

5.  The  heavens  will  reveal  his  iniquity^ 
and  t]^  earth  will  rise  up  against  him. 

6.  In  the  fulness  of  his  abundance,  he 
shall  be  in  straits^  and  that  which  he  labour- 
ed for  shall  be  forfeited  ;  the  increase  of  his 
house  shall  depart^  and  his  goods  be  scattered 
abroad. 

7.  When  he  is  about  to  gratify  his  appe- 
tite, God  will  send  his  anger  against  him  ; 
surely  he  shall  not  feel  quietness,  but  shall 
be  deprived  of  those  good  things  he  so  much 
desired. 

8.  Yea,  he  shall  perish  forever,  and  his  re- 
membrance shall  flee  away  as  a  dream,  and 
shall  not  be  found ;  it  shall  be  chased  away 
as  a  vision  in  the  night. 

9.  The  eye  which  saw  him  shall  see  him 
no  more,  neither  shall  his  place  any  more 
behold  him. 

10.  And  will  God  withhold  reproving  you 
through  fear?  Will  he  not  enter  into  judg- 
ment with  you  ?  Is  not  your  wickedness 
great,  and  your  iniquities  infinite  ? 

11.  Therefore  temptations  beset  you,  and 
sudden  fear  troubleth  you. 

12.  For  can  a  man  be  profitable  to  God, 
as  he  that  is  wise  may  be  profitable  to  him- 
self? 

13.  Is  it  interesting  to  the  Almighty  that 
thou  art  righteous,  or  gain  to  him  that  thou 
makest  thy  ways  perfect? 

14.  Verily  your  thoughts  are  not  hid  from 
him,  and  be  it  known  to  you,  that  there  is  no 


34^ 

darkness  or  secret  place,  where  the  workers 
of  iniquity  can  secure  themselves. 

15.  For  he  will  bring  every  work  into 
judgment,  with  every  secret  thing,  wlietlier  it 
be  good,  or  whether  it  be  evil. 

16.  Do  not,  therefore,  attempt  to  hide  ini- 
quity in  thy  heart,  but  acquaint  thyself  with 
(rod,  and  be  at  peace  with  him,  and  thereby 
good  shall  come  unto  tiiee. 

17.  Presume  not  to  search  into  the  hidden 
decrees  of  the  Almighty. 

He  has  thus  loudly  spoke, 

"  Can  thine  arm  measure  with  an  arm  divine, 
And  canst  thou  thunder  with  a  voice  like  mine, 
Or  in   the  hollow  of  thy  hand   contain 
The  bulk  of  waters,  the  wide  spreading  main, 
When  mad  with  tempest,  all  the  billows  rise 
In  all  their  rage,  and  dash  against  the  skies  ? 
Where  dwells  the  light^  in  what  refulgent  dome  ? 
And  where  has  darkness  made  her  dismal  home  ? 
What  powerful  breath  from  northern  regions  blown. 
Touches  the  sea,  and  turns  it  into  stone  ; 
Who  launched  the  clouds  in  air,  and  bid  them  roll. 
Suspended  seas  aloft  from  pole  to  pole? 
Who  can  refresh  the  burning  sandy  plain. 
And  quench  the  summer  with  a  wash  of  rain  ? 
W^ho  in  rough  deserts  far  from  human  toil. 
Make  rocks  bring  forth,  and  desolation  smile  ? 
There   blooms  the   rose,  where  human  face   ne'er 

shone. 
And  spread  its  beauties  to  the  sun  alone. 
Dost  thou  pronounce  where  daylight  shall  be  born. 
And  draw  the  purple  curtain  of  the  morn  ? 
Awake  the  sun,  and  bid  him  come  away, 
And  glad  the  world  with  his  obsequious  ray  ? 
Hast  thou  enthroned  in  flaming  glory  driven 
Triumphant  round  the  spacious  ring  of  heav'n  ? 


35 

That  pomp  of  light  what  hand  so  far  displays, 
That  distant  earth  lies  basking  in  the  blaze  ? 
To  check  the  show'r  who  lifts  his  hand  on  high, 
And  shuts  the  sluices  of  the  exhausted  sky  : 
When  earth  no  longer  mourns  her  gaping  veins, 
Her  naked  mountains,  and  her  russet  plains ; 
But,  new  in  life,  a  cheerful  prospect  yields 
Of  shining  rivers,  and  of  verdant  fields  ; 
When  groves  and  forests  lavish  all  their  bloom, 
And  earth  and  heaven,  are  filPd  with  rich  perfume. 


CHAP.  XIII. 


•'  Yet  Job  proceeds  his  sorrows  to  declare, 
And  pours  his  spirit  in  the  zeal  of  pray'r, 
Why  do  I  seek  thee,  if  thou  art  not  here  ? 
Or  find  thee  not,  if  thou  art  every  where  ? 
For  thee  I  pine,  and  am  for  thee  undone ; 
As  drooping  flowers  that  want  their  parent  sun." 


1.  Why  still  upbraid  me  for  past  errors 
that  are  blotted  out  of  the  book  of  God  ?  even 
your  reproaches  to-day  are  bitter  to  me,  your 
censures  are  heavier  than  my  groaning. 

2.  Why  so  powerfully  plead  against  me  ? 
Why  withhold  compassion  in  these  trying 
afflictions  ? 

3.  1  have  suffered  enough  already,  and  ye 
need  not  make  my  case  more  desperate  by 
your  repeated  reflections. 

4.  Oh  that  I  knew  where  I  might  find  God  I 
heboid  1  go  forward,  but  he  is  not  there; 
and  backward  but  I  cannot  perceive  him.  On 
the  left  hand  where  he  doth  work;  but  1  can^ 
not  behold  him. 


36 

5.  I  would  order  my  cause  before  him/and 
fill  my  mouth  with  arguments,  were  1  permit- 
ted to  approach  the  throne  of  grace,  and  make 
known  my  complaint. 

6.  With  full  confidence  I  would  therefore 
rejoice  at  his  presence,  as  he  will  perform 
that  which  is  appointed  for  me. 

7.  Grod  knoweth  the  way  I  have  taken ; 
my  feet  have  held  his  steps ;  his  laws  I  have 
kept,  and  not  declined  from  his  statutes. 

8.  I  have  esteemed  the  words  of  his  mouth 
more  than  my  necessary  food,  and  when  he 
hath  tried  me,  1  shall  come  forth  as  gold. 

9.  I  am  not  however  one  of  those  who  think 
their  deeds  are  hidden  from  the  Almighty. 

10.  Ye  say  truly,  that  he  seeth  all  things  ; 
and  yet  the  eye  of  the  adulterer  waiteth  for 
the  twilight,  saying,  no  eye  shall  see  me. 

1 1 .  The  murderer  riseth  with  the  darkness 
to  destroy  the  helpless.  The  morning  to  him 
is  as  hateful  as  the  shadow  of  death,  for  sus- 
picion and  terrors  of  mind  ever  await  him. 

13.  The  extortioner  driveth  away  the  ass 
of  the  fatherless,  and  taketh  the  widow's  ox 
as  a  forfeit!  The  unjust  remove  the  ancient 
landmarks,  they  violently  take  away  the 
.flocks  and  feed,  and  even  pluck  the  orphan 
from  the  breast  as  a  pledge. 

13.  They  cause  the  distressed  to  go  naked 
and  destitute,  by  taking  their  vintage  from 
the  presses,  which  yielded  them  comfort  and 
support  for  their  families. 

14.  Alas  !  the  inhabitants  groan  from  the 
city,  and  the  souls  of  ihe  wounded  cry  out. 
The  oppressors  are  those  who  rebel  against 


3r 

the  light,  departing  from  the  paths  of  virtue^ 
and  the  way  that  leads  to  it. 

15.  For  a  little  time  they  are  exalted,  but 
soon  brought  low  and  gone,  and  their  remem- 
brance perisheth  from  the  earth. 

16.  This  is  the  portion  of  the  unjust  man  ; 
terrors  will  take  hold  of  him  as  waters,  and 
tempests  carry  him  away  in  the  night,  and 
storms  hurl  him  from  his  dwelling. 

17»  If  his  children  are  multiplied,  they  are 
for  war;  and  his  offspring  shall  not  be  sat- 
isfied, and  those  who  adopt  his  principles 
shall  not  be  buried. 

18.  Though  he  may  heap  up  riches  as  the 
dust,  and  prepare  raiment  in  abundance  ;  he 
may  prepare  it,  but  the  just  shall  put  it  on, 
and  the  innocent  shall  divide  his  substance. 

19.  This  is  the  end  and  portion  of  all  op- 
pressors, which  Grod  will  inflict  unless  there 
be  repentance. 

20.  Why  do  they  ^hen  boast  themselves  in 
mischief?  for  what  is  the  hope  of  a  hypocrite 
when  trod  takes  away  his  soul  ? 

31.  Will  God  hear  iiis  cry,  when  trouble 
Cometh  upon  him  ;  can  he  delight  himself  in 
him,  whose  justice  and  mercy  he  hath  alike 
despised  ? 

22.  But  God  forbid  that  I  should  condemn 
any,  while  I  live  ;  my  lips  shall  not  utter 
slander,  nor  my  tongue  use  deceit. 

23.  While  my  breath  is  in  me,  and  the 
spirit  of  God  is  with  me,  my  own  righteous- 
ness will  1  hold  fast;  neither  shall  my  heart 
reproach  me  so  long  as  1  live,    - 

4 


38 


CHAP.  XIV. 


-'  Still  Job  complain'd  in  anguish  of  his  smart, 
Still  pleading  the  uprightness  of  his  heart/' 


1.  Moreover  Job  continued  his  parable 
and  said,  Oh  !  that  I  were  as  in  months  past, 
in  the  days  when  God  preserved  me  ;  when 
his  candle  shined  upon  my  head,  and  when 
by  his  light,  I  walked  through  darkness. 

3.  As  it  was  with  me  in  the  days  of  ray 
youth,  w  hen  the  secret  of  God  was  upon  my 
tabernacle  ;  when  the  Almighty  favoured  me, 
and  my  children  and  friends  were  about  me. 

3.  When  I  w^ashed  my  steps  with  milk, 
and  the  rock  poured  me  out  rivers  of  oil ; 
when  I  put  on  righteousness  and  it  clothed 
me  ;  and  my  judgment  was  as  a  robe  and  a 
diadem. 

4.  When  my  root  was  nourished  by  the 
rivers,  and  the  dew  lay  all  night  upon  my 
branch,  when  my  glory  was  fresh  in  me,  and 
my  bow  was  renewed  in  my  hand. 

5.  When  I   sat  as   chief,  chose  out  their 
'  way,  and  dwelt  as  a  king  in  the  army ;  when 

I  passed  through  the  city,  a  seat  was  prepar- 
ed for  me,  the  young  men  stood  up,  and  the 
aged  also  rose  to  show  me  reverence. 

6.  The  princes  refrained  talking,  and  laid 
their  hands  to  their  mouths^  the  nobles  held 


39 

their   peace ;  for  me  they  waited,  and   kept 
silence  at  my  counsel. 

7.  When  the  ear  heard  me,  it  blessed  me  ; 
when  the  eye  saw  me,  it  gave  witness  to  me. 

8,  Because  1  delivered  the  distressed  that 
cried,  and  the  fatherless,  and  those  who  had 
none  to  rescue  them  from  their  enemies. 

y.  The  blessing  of  them  who  were  ready 
to  perish  came  upon  me  ;  and  I  caused  the 
widow^s  heart  to  sing  for  joy. 

10.  I  was  eyes  to  the  blind,  and  feet  was  I 
to  the  lame  ;  I  directed  the  ignorant  and  per- 
plexed, and  helped  the  weak  and  feeble. 

1 1 .  I  was  a  father  and  a  friend  to  the  af- 
flicted, and  the  cause  that  I  knew  not  I  search- 
ed out,  and  was  as  one  who  comforteth  the 
mourners. 

13.  But  alas,  the  remembrance  of  these 
things  are  forgotten  by  those  whom  I  instruct- 
ed, and  followed  by  the  ingratitude  of  those 
whom  I  relieved. 

13.  Those  of  my  former  acquaintance  are 
now  turned  against  me,  and  have  me  in  de- 
rision  ;  they  would  cast  me  in  the  mire  as  dust 
and  ashes. 

1-1.  Even  those  who  fled  to  the  wilderness 
for  want  and  famine,  who  wxre  solitary  and 
had  none  to  help  them,  who  were  so  distress- 
ed as  to  have  need  of  plucking  mallows  from 
the  bushes,  and  juniper  roots  for  their  meat. 

15.  Those  who  were  driven  forth  from 
among  men  as  vagrants,  to  dwell  in  the  cliffs 
of  the  vallies,  and  caves  of  the  earth,  make 
me  now  their  sport.  Yea,  I  am  their  by- 
word. 


40 

16.  They  mar  my  path,  they  set  forth  my 
calamity,  they  overwhelm  me  as  a  wide 
breaking  of  waters. 

17.  They  allege  against  me  crimes  of  their 
own  inventing,  they  pursue  my  soul  as  the 
wind,  and  my  life  passeth  off  as  a  cloud. 

18.  Did  I  not  weep  for  those  who  were  in 
trouble  ;  was  not  my  soul  grieved  for  the  af- 
flicted, and  my  hand  stretched  forth  to  their 
relief  ? 

19*  I  had  therefore  reason  to  expect  com- 
fort and  support,  but  behold,  trouble  is  come 
upon  me ;  1  waited  for  light,  but  darkness 
overshadoweth  me,  my  enemies  are  relentless 
to  persecute  me. 

20.  Alas  !  my  soul  is  poured  out  upon  me, 
the  days  of  affliction  have  again  taken  hold 
on  me,  my  spirits  are  troubled  in  the  night 
season,  and  my  sinews  take  no  rest. 

21.  I  am  as  one  dreary  without  the  sun,  a 
brother  and  a  companion  with  the  wretched 
and  forlorn,  terrors  are  increased  upon  me^ 
and  1  have  no  helper. 

22.  By  the  great  force  of  my  disease,  my 
countenance  is  changed,  my  skin  is  parched  ; 
and  my  bones  are  consuming. 

SS.  Behold,  I  cry  out  of  violence,  but  I  am 
not  heard,  I  cry  aloud,  but  there  is  no  judg- 
ment. 

24.  O  earth,  cover  not  thou  my  blood,  until 
my  distresses  have  an  end.     For 

25.  My  harp  is  tuned  to  mourning,  and  my 
organ  into  the  voice  of  them  who  weep. 


41 

'-  When  in  God's  presence  shall  I  find  delight? 
Ye  hours  and  days,  cut  short  your  tedious  flight ; 
Ye  months  and  years  (if  such  allotted  be 
In    this  distressed   barren  world  for  me) 
With   hasty    revolution    roll   along, 
I  languish  with  impatience  to  be  gone." 


GHAP.  XV. 

Job  further  vindicates  himself. 


•^  Job's  thoughts  and  complaints  on  his  sorrows  still  ran ,. 
And  though  wisely  he  argu'd,  he  felt  as  a  man," 


1.  I  HAVE  made  a  covenant  with  the  Al- 
mighty,  whom  then  should  I  fear  ?  God  from 
above  is  my  portion^  and  mine  inheritance  is 
on  high. 

2.  He  seeth  my  ways  and  counteth  all  my 
steps,  he  knows  that  I  have  not  walked  with 
vanity,  nor  my  feet  hastened  to  deceit,  if  I  am 
weighed  in  the  balance  of  justice^  I  shall  not 
be  found  wanting. 

3.  My  course  hath  not  turned  aside,  nor 
my  heart  revolted  to  vanity,  but  mine  eyes 
have  been  waiting  for  his  salvation,  and  if  any 
blot  hath  cleaved  to  my  mind^  it  shall  all  be 
done  away. 

4.  I  know  that  He  who  formed  me  in  the 
womb;  can  exalt  me  by  his  power ;  1  know  if 

4^ 


42 

1  trust  to  vanity  I  shall  be  deceived^  but  I 
have  confidence  in  his  rescue. 

5.  But  I  know,  my  friends,  your  opinion, 
and  the  devices  which  you  wrongfully  have 
imagined  for  my  past  conduct. 

6.  Did  1  ever  despise  or  neglect  the  cause 
of  my  servants  in  refusing  counsel  when  re- 
quired,  or  by  any  means  endeavour  to  with- 
hold from  them  their  just  demands  ? 

7«  Did  not  he  who  made  me  make  them  ? 
and  did  not  one  fashion  us  alike  ? 

8.  What  then  shall  I  do  when  God  riseth 
up  ?  and  when  he  visiteth,  what  shall  I  an- 
swer ? 

1).  If  I  had  suffered  the  stranger  to  lie  in 
the  street,  denied  him  entrance  at  my  door, 
and  my  habitation  was  not  open  for  his 
reception  ; 

10.  Let  me  sow  and  another  reap,  and  my 
oflFspring  be  rooted  from  the  earth. 

11.  If  I  had  withheld  the  indigent  and 
needy  from  their  desire,  or  have  caused  the 
eye  of  the  widow  to  fail ; 

13.  If  1  have  eaten  my  bread  alone,  while 
the  fatherless  were  destitute,  or  have  seen  any 
perish  for  lack  of  raiment ; 

13.  It  would  have  been  an  heinous  crime, 
an  iniquity  to  be  punished. 

14.  If  I  have  made  gold  my  hope  ;  said  to 
the  fine  gold ;  Thou  art  my  confidence ;  if  I 
rejoiced  because  my  substance  was  great,  or 
believed  that  my  hand  alone  had  procured  it ; 

15.  Surely  my  mind  would  have  reproach- 
ed  me,  my  conscience  would  have  upbraided 
my  conduct,  this  folly  would  have  been  my 


43 

disgrace,  and  I  should  have  denied  the  God 
who  is  above. 

16.  If  I  had  ever  rejoiced  at  the  destruc- 
tion of  those  who  hatecl  me^  and  exerted  my 
influence  against  them,  or  withheld  my  hand 
for  their  relief  when  in  trouble  ; 

17.  Then  let  mine  arm  fall  from  its  shoul- 
der blade^  and  strength  fail  my  limbs. 

48.  if  I  adored  the  sun  when  it  shined,  or 
worshipped  the  moon  walking  in  brightness, 
and  secretly  covered  my  transgression,  and 
conceived  iniquity  in  my  bosom, 

19.  The  just  anger  of  heaven  would  over- 
take me. 

20,  If  my  land  should  cry  out  against  me, 
by  reason  of  my  eovetousness.  If  I  have 
used  the  produce  thereof  without  liberality  to 
others,  and  withheld  the  fleece  of  my  sheep 
for  the  comfort  of  their  families  ; 

SI.  Let  thistles  grow  instead  ©f  wheat,  and 
noisome  weeds  instead  of  barley,  and  my  es- 
tate yield  me  no  increase. 


CHAP.  XVI. 

The  Introduction  of  Elihu. 


"  At  length  Elihu  eas'd  his  burthen'd  breast, 
Whose  answers  humble  diflidence  long  supprest, 
A  fourth,  whose  reprimand  was  kindly  meant ; 
(From  Nahor's  ancient  line  was  his  descent.) 
Young,  yet  mature  ;  indignant,  yet  serene  : 
He  interpos'd  his  argument,  rightly  keen  : 


41 

Job  equally  he  censures  and  his  friends, 
From  each  reproof  his  Maker  he  defends." 


i.  Job's  three  visitors  ceased  to  answer, 
because  they  thought  him  righteous  ia  his  owa 
eyes. 

2.  Then  was  kindled  the  anger  of  Elihu, 
for  he  conceived  that  Job  justified  liimself 
rather  than  God. 

3.  And  Elihu  spake  to  them  and  said,  I 
am  young  and  ye  are  old,  and  being  afraid  I 
dare  not  declare  my  opinion. 

4.  Knowing  that  days  should  speak,  and 
multitude  of  years  should  teach  wisdom. 

5.  There  is  a  spirit  in  man  :  and  the  inspi- 
ration  of  the  Almighty  giveth  him  wisdom. 

6.  (xreat  men  are  not  always  the  wisest, 
neither  do  the  aged  always  understand  judg- 
ment. 

7.  BehoUh,  I  have  waited  for  your  words, 
and  gave  ear  to  your  reasons,  while  you 
searched  out  what  to  say. 

8.  Yea,  I  have  attended  unto  you ;  and  be- 
hold, there  was  none  of  you  that  convinced 
Job,  or  that  answered  his  words. 

9.  Therefore  hearken  unto  me,  I  also  will 
deliver  you  my  opinion  in  the  matter,  for  my 
spirit  within  conslraineth  me  to  speak. 

10.  Behold,  my  thoughts  are  as  new  w^ine, 
which  hath  no  Y^nt,  I  will  speak  that  1  may 
be  refreshed. 

11., Far  be  it  from  me  to  accept  any  man's 
person,  or  give  flattering  titles  to  any,  for  m 
so  doing  1  shall  oflFend  my  Maker. 

IS.  The  three  visitors  hearing  Elihu;  they 


49 

were  troubled,  they  were  amazed^  they  sat 
still,  and  answered  no  more. 

13.  Wherefore  Elihu  farther  spake,  Hear 
my  words,  O  ye  wise  men,  and  give  ear  unto 
me,  ye  that  have  knowledge,  for  the  ear  trieth 
words,  as  the  mouth  tasteth  meat. 

l^*  Behold,  God  exalteth  by  his  power, 
and  casteth  down ;  who  teacheth  like  him  ? 
Who  hath  enjoined  him  in  his  way,  or  who 
dare  say,  Thou  hast  wrought  iniquity. 

15.  Shall  not  he  that  ordaineth  justice, 
aright  govern  ?  and  wilt  thou  judge  him  that 
is  most  pure  ?  will  the  Almighty  pervert  judg- 
ment, or  lay  on  man  more  than  is  right  ? 

16.  For  the  actions  of  men  shall  be  ren- 
dered unto  him,  and  every  one  judged  accord- 
ing to  his  doings,  for  God  is  no  respecter  of 
persons. 

17.  Is  it  fit  to  say  to  a  king.  Thou  art  un- 
just ?  Or  to  princes,  ye  are  unrighteous  ?  Is  it 
not  indecent  to  charge  earthly  princes  and 
judges,  with  tyranny  and  injustice  ? 

18.  How  much  less  to  him  who  accepteth 
not  the  persons  of  princes,  nor  regardeth  the 
rich  more  than  the  poor?  For  they  all  are  the 
works  of  his  hands. 

19.  When  he  giveth  quietness,  who  then 
can  make  trouble  ?  When  he  withdraweth  his 
support,  who  then  can  be  upheld  ?  Whether 
against  a  nation,  or  a  mortal  only. 

20.  Surely  it  is  meet  to  say  unto  God,  1 
have  deserved  chastisement,  but  I  will  not 
again  offend. 

2i.  But  to  acknowledge  with  submission, 


46 

That  which  I  know  not  teach  thou  me  :  If  I 
have  done  iniquity,  I  will  do  no  more. 

^Z2.  Perchance  Job  hath  spoken  unadvised- 
ly and  his  observations  may  often  have  been 
very  inconsiderate. 

23.  He  may  have  added  rebellion  unto  bis 
sin,  and  have  triumphed  in  his  transgression, 
and  multiplied  words  against  Grod. 

24.  Yet  let  us  not  judge  him  v^^ithout  can- 
dor, nor  withhold  our  compassion,  while  we 
strive  to  rectify  his  opinions. 


CHAP.  XVII. 


"  Indulge  me  still :  much  argument  remains, 
On  God's  behalf,  and  lofty  are  the  strains. 
Submit  thy  fate  to  Heaven's  indulgent  care, 
Though  all  seem  lost,  'tis  impious  to  despair : 
The  tracks  of  Providence  like  rivers  wind, 
Here  run  before  us,  there  retreat  behind ; 
And  though  immers'd  in  earth  from  human  eyes, 
Again  break  forth  and  more  conspicuous  rise." 


1.  FuRTHERMORF  spakc  Elihu  unto  Job^ 
behold,  now  I  have  opened  my  mouth,  my 
words  shall  be  of  the  uprightness  of  my 
heart,  and  my  lips  shall  tionvey  knowledge, 

a.  If  thou  canst  answer  me,  set  thy  words 
in  order  before  me,  for  1  am  according  to  thy 
desire  in  God's  behalf. 

3.  My  counsel  cannot  make  thee  afraid^ 
nor  shall  my  hand  be  heavy  upon  thee. 


47 

4i.  Therefore  answer  me^  if  thou  hast  any- 
thing to  say,  as  I  have  a  desire  to  justify 
thee  ;  if  not,  be  silent,  and  1  will  teach  thee 
wisdom. 

5.  Shouldest  thou  say,  I  ara  clean  and 
without  transi2;ressioh  ;  1  am  innocent,  neither 
is  there  iniquity  in  me  : 

6.  Behold,  in  this  thou  art  not  just,  and 
God,  who  seeth  nut  as  man,  discovereth  tliy 
failin2;s. 

7.  Why  dost  thou  strive  against  thy  Mak- 
er ?  he  giveth  no  account  to  the  children  of 
men  of  his  doings. 

8.  For  God  speaketh  once,  yea  twice,  yet 
man  perceives  it  not. 

it.  Lo,  all  his  dispensations  are  to  rescue 
man  from  destruction,  and  to  enlighten  him  in 
the  ways  of  truth  and  uprightness. 

10  Thou  in  thy  trouble  observest,  ^^What 
advantage  will  it  be  unto  me  ?  and  what 
profit  shall  I  have,  if  I  be  cleansed  from  my 
sin  ?'' 

!!•  I  will  answer  thee  ;  look  up  to  the 
heavens,  and  behold  the  order  in  the  firma- 
ment ;  the  balancing  of  the  clouds  are  the 
wondrous  works  of  him  who  is  perfect  in 
knowledge.  ^ 

13.  If  therefore  thou  sinnest,  what  dost 
thou  against  him  ?  or  allowest  thysell}^ 
transgressing,  dost  thou  prevail  against  God  ? 

1 3.  If  thou  art  righteous,  what  does  it  avail 
thy  Maker  ?  or  what  can  he  obtain  at  thine 
hand  ? 

li.  Thy  wickedness  may  injure  a  man, 
and  thy  oppression  may  cause  him  trouble^^ 


48 

and  make  the  feeble  cry  out  by  reason  of  the 
arm  of  the  mighty. 

id.  Surely  God  will  not  hear,  nor  will  he 
regard  vanity ;  judgment  is  always  before 
him,  therefore  trust  in  hijn. 

16.  Considering  that  God  is  our  Maker, 
who  teacheth  us  more  than  the  beasts  of  the 
field,  and  maketh  us  wiser  than  the  fowls  of 
heaven* 

17.  Behold,  he  is  mighty  in  strength  and 
wisdom.  He  is  the  fountain  of  benevolence, 
refuseth  none  who  with  sincerity  approach 
him,  but  preserveth  all,  and  giveth  right  to 
the  afflicted. 

18.  He  withdraweth  not  his  eyes  from  the 
righteous  :  yea,  he  established  them  forever, 
and  they  are  exalted.  Should  they  fall  into 
sin  and  temptation,  and  are  thereby  held  in 
the  cords  of  affliction, 

19.  He  then  sheweth  them  their  errors,  ex- 
erciseth  over  them  his  fatherly  correction, 
and  commandeth  them  to  return  to  the  path 
of  duty. 

20.  If  then  they  obey  and  serve  him,  they 
will  spend  their  days  in  peace  and  tranquil- 
ity  ;  if  they  do  not  obey  him,  they  will  per- 
ish  in  their  sins  and  die  without  knowledge. 

wSl.  But  the  profligates  in  heart  heap  up 
msquietude  :  they  cry  in  vain  and  there  is 
none  to  deliver  them,  their  life  is  with  the 
unclean,  and  their  death  untimely. 


4^9 
CHAP.  XVIIl. 

Ends  Elihu^s  Observations. 


'*  Learn,  Job,  that  misery  ever  follows  sin, 
From  human  errors  human  ills  begin. 
Th'  Almighty  mind  is  all  perfection  great, 
Above   low   envy  and  capricious  hate, 
When  erring  mortals  in  his  bonds  he  holds. 
Their  ear  he  touches,  and  their  sins  unfolds ; 
Humbles  their  pride,  their  self-deception  breaks, 
And  slumb'ring  conscience  to  its  charge  awakes* 
If  to  his  high  commands  their  ear  they  bow, 
And  faithful  keep  the  penitential  vow  : 
Sweet  days  ensue,  bright  is  their  ev'ning  scene. 
And  death  comes  late,  and  with  a  look  serene.^' 


1.  Elihu  spake  moreover  to  Job,  and  said, 
S.  Suffer  me  again  to  speak  in  God's  stead, 
I  will  bring  my  knowledge   from  afar,  and 
will  ascribe  righteousness  to  my  Maker. 

3.  For  truly  my  words  shall  not  be  false^ 
neither  will  I  make  use  of  abstruse  arguments. 

4.  Touching  the  Almighty  we  cannat 
search  him  out:  he  is  great  in  power  and 
wise  in  judgment,  and  will  not  afflict  but  in 
justice. 

5.  Every  man  may  see  it ;  behold  he  is  in- 
finite, and  we  know  him  not,  neither  can  the 
number  of  his  years  be  searched  out. 

6.  For  the  eyes  of  the  Almighty  are  upon 
the  ways  of  men ;  he  seeth  all  their  doings, 

5 


50 

aad  setteth  at  nought  the  wicked  in  the  open 
sight  of  others. 

7.  Because  they  wilfully  turn  from  him, 
conceiving  iu  their  hearts,  ^^It  profiteth  a 
man  nothing  that  he  should  delight  himself 
in  God.'^ 

8.  Therefore,  knowing  their  thoughts  and 
devices,  He  overturneth  them,  so  that  they 
are  crushed,  and  none  to  deliver  them. 

9.  He  beholdeth  all  high  things,  respecteth 
none  who  are  vain  and  conceited,  but  is  a 
terror  to  all  the  sons  of  pride. 

10.  Abhorring  those  who  are  ostentatious, 
debasing  them  to  the  dust,  he  alleweth  others 
to  fill  their  places. 

11.  He  sendethhis  interpreters,  one  among 
a  thousand,  to  explain  and  warn  men  of  their 
danger,  and  shew  his  willingness  to  save  them 
from  the  pit  of  destruction. 

12.  If  they  obey  his  laws,  he  will  grant 
their  requests ;  they  will  behold  his  face  with 
joy,  and  finally  obtain  his  forgiveness. 

13.  Wherefore  Job,  consider  and  hearken 
to  my  words.  Thou  erroneously  hast  said, 
^^  My  doctrine  is  pure  and  I  am  clean,^^  but 
remember  that  God  exacteth  of  thee  less  than 
thine  errors  deserve. 

14.  Thou  art  forward  in  fulfilling  the  judg- 
ment of  the  wicked  :  justice  therefore  hath 
again  taken  hold  on  thee. 

15.  But  in  future,  cleave  to  those  things 
that  are  honest  and  of  good  report,  and  have 
no  more  fellowship  with  the  ungodly. 

16.  Regard  not  iniquity  :  for  this  thou  hast 


51 


adhered  to^  rather  than  submission^  and  these 
thy  doings  have  been  thy  folly. 

17.  Magnify  therefore  thy  Maker's  work, 
and  suspect  not  the  rectitude  of  his  dispensa- 
tions. 


CHAP.  XIX. 


Joh^s  last  reply  to  his   censorious  friends^  with  his 
closing  address  to  God, 


"  Almighty  God,  in   pity  set  me  free, 

And  let  me  once  again  thy  mercy  see ! 

So  shall  the  voice  of  my  complaining  cease, 

And  Job's  last  breath  shall  bless  Thee  for  his  peace.'- 

1.  Job,  wearied  out  with  the  severe  re- 
proaches of  his  friends,  answered  and  said, 

2.  Wherefore  these  incessant  criminations 
and  admonitions  ?  Wherefore  do  ye  fill  your 
mouths  with  words  of  reproof,  and  thus  ad- 
dress me  with  language  so  unfriendly  ? 

3.  According  to  your  professions,  had  I 
not  reason  to  expect  that  your  words  would 
have  been  uprightness  and  candor,  and  that 
your  lips  would  have  taught  knowledge  and 
wisdom. 

4.  But  how  have  ye  counselled  him,  that 
hath  no  wisdom  ?  Or  supported  the  feeble 
arm  that  hath  no  strength  ? 

5.  How  have  ye  helped  the  afflicted  who  is 
without  power  ?  Or  when  have  ye  fully  de- 
clared things  as  they  are  ? 


6.  I  am  assured  that  God  is  supreme  over 
all  the  earth,  and  know  as  well  as  ye,  that 
his  judgments  are  equity  and  truth. 

7.  But  whence  cometh  wisdom  and  under- 
standing ?  Man  knoweth  not  the  value  there- 
of, neither  is  it  to  be  found  in  the  land  of  the 
living. 

8.  The  depths  of  the  earth  saith,  it  is  not 
in  me  :  and  the  springs  in  the  sea  say,  it  is 
not  with  us  :  neither  the  gold  of  Ophir  ;  the 
precious  onyx,  or  the  wealth  of  Peru  can 
equal  it. 

9.  Grod  only  knows  the  place  thereof,  his 
ways  are  known  to  himself,  and  communicates 
to  man  what  he  thinks  fit. 

10.  To  Him.  therefore,  will  I  refer  my 
cause,  and  my  supplication  shall  ascend  to 
Lis  mercy's  seat. 

1 1 .  He  knows  my  wants  and  desires,  and 
the  thoughts  and  intentions  of  every  one  are 
naked  and  open  to  the  view  of  his  omnis- 
cience. 

IS.  His  providence  is  displayed  through- 
out  the  universe,  and  all  nature  is  subject  to 
his  control. 

18.  He  compasseth  the  waters  with  bounds 
until  day  and  night  come  to  an  end ;  the  pil- 
lars of  heaven  tremble,  and  are  astonished  at 
his  reproof. 

14.  He  stretcheth  out  the  north  over  the 
empty  place ;  suspendeth  the  earth  upon 
nothing,  and  bindeth  up  the  waters  in  the 
thick  clouds. 

15.  He  causeth  the  vapours  to  ascend,  he 


53 

maketh  lightnings  with  rain^  and  bringeth  the 
winds  from  his  treasures. 

16.  His  power  and  goodness  descend  to  the 
earth,  whereby  he  satisfieth  the  desolate  and 
waste  ground,  which  causeth  the  tender  herb 
to  shoot  forth. 

17.  By  his  alnaighty  wisdom  the  heavens 
are  garnished,  liis  hand  also  hath  formed  the 
crooked  serpent. 

18.  Lo  !  these  are  but  parts  of  his  doings, 
and  how  small  a  portion  is  heard  of  him  ; 
being  of  one  mind  in  all  his  ways,  he  per- 
formeth  all  things  as  he  pleaseth. 

19.  I  will,  therefore,  adhere  to  his  coun- 
sel ;  1  will  obey  his  precepts,  and  hope  in 
his  mercy,  until  1  go  hence  and  be  no  more 
seen. 

20.  I  know,  O  Lord,  thou  canst  do  all 
things  ;  I  revere  thy  power,  and  the  rectitude 
of  thy  ways. 

31.  I  have  heard  of  thee  by  the  hearing 
of  the  ear,  but  now  mine  eye  seeth  thee. 

S^S.  Wherefore  1  abhor  myself,  and  repent 
in  dust  and  ashes. 

23.  I  have  uttered  things  that  I  understood 
not^  things  too  wonderful  for  me  that  I  could 
not  comprehend. 

21.  If  1  have  done  iniquity,  1  will  do  no 
more.     O  restore,  heal,  and  bless  thy  servant^ 

"  Thou  canst  accomplish  all  things,  Lord  of  mightj 
And   every  thought   is   naked  to  thy  sight. 
But,  Oh !  thy  ways  are   wonderful,  and  lie 
Beyond  the  deepest  search  of  mortal  eye. 
Once  and  again,  (with  grief  I  now  deplore) 
My  tongue  has  err'd,but  shall  presume  no  more. 


5* 

Oft  have  I  heard  of  thine  almighty  power, 
But  never   saw  thee  till  this    favour'd  hour. 
My  voice  once  seem'd  in  lasting  silence  bound, 
But  now  with  heavenly  happiness  I'm  crown'd. 
Transporting  view  !  the  Lord  of  life  I  see, 
Resign  myself,  and  give  my  soul  to  Thee, 
Nor  shall  my  weakness  tempt  thine  anger  more  -^ 
Man  was  not  made  to  question,  but  adore," 


CHAP.  XX. 


Conclusion, 


'•  At  last  the  Almighty  in  the  cause  appear'd, 
His  righteous  acts  to  clear  and  to  defend, 

Job  own'd  his  goodness  and  his  power  rever'd, 
And  joy  and  comfort  bless'd  his  latter  end»" 


1.  The  Almighty  then  accepted  Job,  and 
spake  unto  filipbaz  the  Temanite,  and  Bil- 
dad  the  Shubite,  and  Zophar  the  Naama- 
tbite,  and  commanded  them  to  offer  burnt- 
offerings. 

2.  They  all,  therefore,  obeyed,  according 
as  the  Lord  commanded. 

3.  Job's  trials  and  patience  were  thus 
proved  ;  no  temptations  allured  bim ;  no  ca- 
lamities occasioned  bis  revolt  from  the  path 
of  duty, 

4.  Through  all  his  sufferings,  the  Most 
High  was  bis  sure  defence,  and  the  Holy  One 
of  Israel  bis  refuge. 


35 

5.  And  the  prayer  of  Job  was  heafd  and 
accepted  in  behalf  of  his  friends  by  the  Al- 
mighty, who  proclaimed  that  there  were  none 
like  him  in  all  the  earth  for  uprightness  and 
integrity. 

6.  And  the  Lord  turned  Job's  captivity 
into  the  joy  of  salvation,  and  restored  to  him 
his  former  dignity  and  honour^  and  raised 
him  to  double  prosperity. 

7.  Wo  that,  by  happy  experience^  lie  found 
in  the  event,  that  though  the  face  of  Provi- 
dence may  sometimes  be  veiled  with  dark- 
ness, yet  light  is  shown  for  the  righteous,  and 
gladness  for  the  upright  in  heart* 

8.  Then  came  unto  Job  all  his  brethren, 
and  his  sisters,  and  those  of  his  former  ac- 
quaintance, presenting  their  gifts,  comforting 
him,  and  partaking  of  bread  and  rejoicings. 

9.  Thus  the  Lord  blessed  the  latter  end  of 
Job,  more  than  the  beginning ;  by  increasing 
his  wealth  in  numerous  flocks  and  herds  of 
cattle,  and  by  enlarging  his  family. 

10.  And  in  all  that  land  were  no  women 
found  so  fair  as  the  daughters  of  Job  :  and 
their  father  gave  them  inheritance  among  their 
brethren. 

11.  After  this  Job  lived  an  hundred  and 
forty  years,  and  saw  his  sons,  and  his  sons^ 
sons,  even  four  generations. 

13.  Thus  Job  died^  being  old  and  full  of 
years. 

THE  END, 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 
Preface.         ------         57 

CHAP.  I. 

Sections  i.  ii.  hi.  and  iv.  contain  Job's  cliarae- 
ter,  wealth,  misfortunes,  resignation,  and  pa- 
tience, &e.  .  -  -  -  59 

CHAP.  II. 

Sec.  I.  Job's  friends  visit  him. — Sec.  ii.  La- 
ments that  ever  he  was  born,  and  regrets  the 

day  of  his  birth Sec.  hi.    Speech  of  Eli- 

phaz,  &e.  -  -  -  "  6  A 

CHAP.  111. 

Sec  I.  Job  expostulates  with  his  Maker, — com- 
plains of  his  severity, — earnestly  supplicates 
for  relief, — resents  the  conduct  of  his  friends, 
who  had  unjustly  accused  him  of  crimes, — &c.        66 

CHAP.  IV. 

Sec.  i.  Zophar's  reflections  against  Job,— pro- 
secutes his  arguments  with  vehemence  and  vi- 
olence, on  the  same  false  ground,  as  Eliphaz 
and  Bildad, — concludes  by  exhorting  him  to 
repentance,  &c.  -  -  -  70 

CHAP.  V. 

Sec.  i.  Job  in  reply  observes,  that  his  cause  is 
good,  and  himself  free  from  guilt, — that 
although  his  trials  were  great,  he  will  not 
reflect  on  his  Maker, — concludes  with  recit- 
ing his  deplorable  situation,  &c.  -  7^ 


11 


CHAP.  VL 

Sec.  I.  and  ii.  The  opening  of  this  chapter  eon- 
tains  an  extract  from  a  speech  of  Eliphaz. 
with  bitter  sarcasms,  reproaches,  &e» — Sec. 
III.  Advises  Job,  however,  to  humble  himself 
before  God,  who  will  in  the  end  bestow  on 
bira  his  grace  and  favour.  -  -  ^'^ 


CHAP.  VII. 

Sec.  I.  II.  and  iii.  Job  complains  of  his 
friends'  derisian  and  severity, — observes  that 
a  man's  worldly  condition,  whether  prosper- 
ous or  adverse,  is  no  criterion  of  his  moral 
character, — laments  his  hopeless  condition, — 
often  in  excesses  of  grief  and  despair,  reflects 
irreverently  on  his  Maker,  &c. — concludes 
hy  anticipating  a  fut^ire  triumph,  &c.  &c.  1''S 


CHAP.  VIII. 

Job  denies   the   guilt   imputed    to  him  by  hi:^ 

frieuds — places  full  confidence  in  his  Maker 

r        —expresses  his  admiration  on  the  immensity 

nf  hii  power,  &c.  &c.  8^ 


CHAP.  IX. 

>*^£e.  I.  Contains  fiery  speeches  of  Zophar  and 
Elihu,  calculated  to  exasperate  the  wounds 
already  advanced  by  Biphaz  and  Bildad, 
it  appears,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  pro- 
voking him  to  further  excesses  of  complaint, 
U'hich  occasions  Job's  justification  in  a  sub- 
sequent chapter. — Sec.  ii.  contains  the  intro- 
duction of  Elihu,  with  a  speech  to  J©b.  simi- 
■ar  to  those  criven  bv  his  assorciates*  -  8S 


CHAP.  X. 


Exhibits  the  deplorable  condition  of  man  in  the 
grave,  in  a  train  of  gloomy  ideas,  rising  suc- 
cessively in  a  mind  like  Job's,  &c.  &c.         -  85 

CHAP.  XL 

Contains  speeches  collected  principally  from 
Bildad,  representing  in  a  lofty  strain  the 
terrible  majesty,  supreme  dominion,  and  in-^ 
finite  perfections  of  the  Deity,  &c.  -  87 

CHAP.  XIL 

Sec.  I.  Job  sets  forth  his  former  felicity,  in  the 
singular  favour  of  God  to  his  person,  family 
and  fortunes,  and  the  pleasing  hope  he  had 
of  the  permanence  of  that  happpiness  in  re* 
ward  of  his  virtue,  &c.  -  -  s% 


CHAP.  XIIL 

Being  a  contrast  to  the  foregoing,  represents 
Job*s  disappointment, — the  insults  he  re- 
ceived,— the  sad  condition  of  his  body, 
and  the  despairing  state  of  his  mind. — The 
passions  expressed  herein  are  grief  and  in- 
dignation.— Concludes  in  a  fervent  wish,  that 
his  words  ipay  be  preserved  as  a  memento  to 
posterity.  -  .  -  .  9^ 

CHAP.  XIV. 

Sec.  I.  and  ii.  Wherein  Job  and  his  friends  dis- 
play God's  power  and  dominion  in  his  won- 
derful works,  infers  from  thence  the  igno- 
rance of  man,  and  concludes  that  the  doings 
of  the  Supreme  Being  are  right,  and  ought 
to  be  adored.  -  -  -  -         94 


XV 


CHAP.  XV. 

Contaios  Job's  reply — prosecutes  his  arguments 
by  taking  a  retrospective  view  of  his  past  life 
— explains  with  firmness  and  perspicuity  his 
motives  to  action ;  and  refers  his  plea  to  his 
Maker,  &c.  -  -  -  -  98 

CHAP.  XVI. 

Contains  Elihu's  address  to  his  seniors,  disap- 
proving Job's  justifying  himself, — blames 
them  for  tlieir  s^ilenee,  and  observes  the  im- 
pulse he  laboured  under  to  give  his  thoughts 
vent,  &e.  ....  ±02 

CHAP.  xvn. 

Contains  further  remarks  of  Elihu  to  Job, 
tendering  his  advice, — and  shews  the  folly 
and  wickedness  of  tyranny  and  oppression.  103 

CHAP.  XVIII. 

Contains  further  observations  from  Elihu  to  Job, 
in  vindication  of  the  ways  of  God  to  man, — 
solicits  his  candid  attention  by  several  en-^ 
gaging  motives.  -  -  .  105 

CHAP.  XIX. 

Job  upon  conviction,  humbles  himself  for  many 
rash  expressions  while  under  the  afflicting 
hand  of  Providence,  and  makes  penitential 
acknowledgments.  -  -  -  107 

CHAR  XX. 

His  friends  reproved  for  iheir  uncharitable 
censures  in  the  controversy  with  him,  and 
are  directed  to  make  atonement  for  tbeir 
offences. — His  restoration  to  superior  pros- 
perity to  what  he  enjoyed  previous  to  his 
misfortunes.  -  -  -  -        10$ 


PART   OF   THE 

PREFACE  TO  THE  BOOK  OF  JOB, 

PARAPHRASED* 
BY  THOMAS   SCOTT, 


THE  Poem  presents  to  us  the  shades  of  an  illustri- 
ous character ;  a  great  and  j^ood  man,  in  the  depth  of 
adversity,  reduced  to  despair,  and  complaining  loudly 
of  the  ways  of  God.  His  three  most  intimate  friends, 
who  came  to  condole  with  Iiim,  very  early  insinuate 
their  uncharitable  suspicions  :  and  afterwards  openly 
accuse  him  of  atrocious  wickedness,  as  the  cause  of 
his  afflictions.  Accordingly  they  exhort  him  to  re- 
pentance, which  a  wicked  man  needeth,  as  the  only 
means  of  his  restoration.  By  thus  defending  the 
honour  of  Providence  at  their  friend's  expense,  they 
exasperate  his  distress,  inflame  his  passions,  and 
hurry  him  into  blameable  excesses  in  the  justification 
of  himself,  and  in  expostulations  with  his  Maker 
about  the  reasons  of  his  sufferings.  He  is,  however, 
by  wiser  management  in  the  hands  of  Elihu,  gradu- 
ally recovered  to  a  beconling  temper ;  and  at  last 
acknowledgeth  his  fault  to  the  Almighty,  in  the  full- 
est terms  of  contrition  and  self-abasement ;  with  this 
complete  confession  the  poem  is  closed,  and  the  de- 
sign accomplished.  The  moral  of  such  a  poem, 
formed  on  the  plan  of  discontent  with  the  measures 
of  Providence,  and  the  issue  of  that  discontent  in 
submission  to  them,  is  too  obvious  to  stand  in  want  of 
explanation.  The  majesty  and  sublimity  of  this  di- 
6 


58 

vine  composition  have  been  admired  by  writers  of  tlie 
first  rank  in  genius,  taste,  and  learning ;  as  the  lan- 
guage is  very  old  Hebrew ;  and  the  manners  of  those 
of  the  earliest  ages.  One  observes,  that  it  particu- 
larly excels  in  conciseness,  force,  and  fulness  of  ex- 
pression, in  masterly  painting,  both  of  the  violent 
and  tender  passions,  in  moving  representations  of  hu- 
man life,  great  powers  of  description,  and  the  sim- 
plicity of  its  theology  and  ethics. 


ERRATA. 

Chapter  II.  Sec.  ..  idst  line,  for  '*  Fortune,"  read  Torture  ;  and 
Sec.  III.  page  64,  3d  line  from  top,  for^'stnng,"  read  strung. 
Chapter  VI.  page  77,  15th  line  from  top,  for  ^^whcoi,*'  read 
ivhose. 


PARAPHRASE. 


CHAPTER  L 

SECTION  1. — JoVs  Character^  Wealth,  and  tliches. 
There  liv'd  an  Arab  of  distinguished  fame 
In  Idumean  Uz  ;  and  Job  his  name  : 
Of  spotless  manners,   with  a  soul  sincere, 
£vil  his  hate,  and  G«?d  alone  his  fear. 
Seven  sons  his  patriarchal  sway  rever'd. 
His  household  cares  three  beauteousdaughters  cheer'd. 
His  flocks  in  thousands  browsed,  his  camels  fed 
In  thousands;  o'er  his  fertile  pastures  spread. 
In  beeves-,  and  beasts  of  more  ignoble  strain, 
In  rural  magazines,  and  rustic  train. 
His  mighty  opulence  no  rival  found 
Among  the  princes  of  Arabians  bound.. 
On  the  glad  season  of  each  natal  day 
Sweet  friendship  calFd,  the  brother  friends  obey  : 
With  earth's  best  gifts  the  festal  board  was  blest^ 
And  each  fair  sister  came  a  bidden  guest. 
Oft  as  these  rounds  of  social  joy  expir'd, 
The  pious  father  holy  rites  required  : 
By  due  ablutions  'cleai/s'd,  the  filial  band 
For  solemn  sacrifice  around  him  stand  : 
AVhen,  rising  with  the  morn,   the  priestly  sire 
Dispos'd  the  atonement  on  the  hallowed  fire. 
For  every  child  a  costly  victim   blaz'd, 
For  every  child  a  fervid  pray'r  he  raised 
^'  Forgive  my  children's  sin,  all  gracious  Power 

^  If  aught  displeas'd   thee  in  their  mirthful  hour  : 
"  If  some  loose  moment's  gaiety  of  heart 
^^  E'er  said  to  piety  and  God|  departj'- 


60 

SEC.  2. — His  Misfortunes. 

'TwAS  on  the  birth-day  of  his  elder  sod, 
The  kindred  met,  the  banquet  was  begun- — 
When,  lo,  a  servant,  breathless,  pale  with  fear, 
Bare  heavy  tidings  to  his  master's  ear  : 
Thy  asses  graz'd,  thy  heifers  turn'd  the  soil, 
Sabean  robbers  flew  upon  the  spoil  : 
Thy  faithful  slaves  lie  slaughter'd  on  the  plain, 
I,  only  I,  to  bring  the  tale  remain. 
Him  interrupt  another's  doleful  cries  ; 
The  fire  of  God  was  darted^  from  the  skies, 
The  flocks  and  shepherds  are  consum'd  alone, 
I,  wretch,  survive,  to  make  the  mischief  known. 
A  third ;  The  Chaldees,  in  a  triple  band, 
Have  fore'd  the  camels  to  a  foreign  land. 
I  only  from  their  cruel  swords  have  fled. 
To  speak  their  loss  and  how  the  herdsmen  bled. 
Worse  message  followed,  followed    close  behind. 
The  bearer's  look  spoke  horror  in  his  mind: 
Thy  first  born  son,  his  brethren,  sisters  all 
Were  met,  and  feasting  in  his  friendly  hall  : 
When  rushing  from  the  wild,  a  wheeling  blast 
Full  on  the  house,  all  ways  its,  fury  cast : 
Thy  children  smother'd,  in  the  ruin    fell, 
I  only  live  the  fatal  blow  to  tell. 

SEC.  3. — His  Resigriation, 

Then  Job  arose  ;  and  father  now  no  more, 
He  lopt  his  flowing  hair,  his  robe  he  tore  : 
Prone  to  the  dust  he  bowM  his  rev'rent  head. 
And,  worshipping,  with  humblest  accents  said  : 
Peace  every  murmur,  naked  into  birth 
We  came,  and  naked  shall  return  to  earth. 
The  Lord  in  bounty  gave,  but  gave  in  trust. 
The  Lord  resumes  :  resuming,  not  unjust ; 


61 

Giving,  resuming,  be  is  still  the   Lord, 
Still  be  the  glories  of  iiis  name  ador'd. 

SEC.  4. — Hi!^  Patience  and  Submission. 

Again  affliction's  wound,  he  felt  all  o'er, 
Smitten  with  boils  and  stung  at  evVy  pore. 
Down  in  the  dust  he  sat  in  humble  sign 
Of  sorrow  passive  to  the  will  divine, 
'Twas  then,  the  frail  companion  of  his  care 
Wounded  his  soul  with  words  of  wild  despair: 
What,  still  a  saint  ?  go  on,  and  cringing  low, 
Praise  him  once  more,  and  feel  his   mortal  blow. 
Dost  thou,  (he  said,  and  cast  a  tender  look 
While  zeal  delivered  its  severe  rebuke,) 
E'en  thou  thus  rashly  speak  ?  in  such  a  style, 
Let  a  blind  paganess  her  Gods  revile. 
Jehovah's  hand  divides  our  portion  still  : 
Shall  we  embrace  his  good  and  not  his  ill  ? 


CHAP.  IL 

SEe.  1.— Jb6's  friends  visit  him. 

Lamenting  fame  now  hasten'd  frora^  his  place, 
Temanian  Eliphaz,  of  Shuah's  race, 
Bndad  and  Zophar,  of  Naamah's  line. 
These,  guided  by  the  voice  of  friendship,  join  ; 
Then  speedy  to  their  suff'ring  friend  they  go. 
To  mingle  tears  and  mollify  his  woe. 
His  form  now  opens  to  their  distant  view, 
But  O  how  alien  from  the  form  they  knew  ! 
They  sprinkled  dust  upon   their  heads,  they  rent 
Their  flowing  vesture,  and  aloud  lament. 
Then  seated  near  him  on  the  ground,  amaze 
Fetter'd  their  tongues.    For  seven  succeeding  days, 


63 

With  mourning  rite,  their  visit   they  renewM, 
But  silent  still.     They  saw,  his  grief  withstood 
All  lenient  counsel  5  for  his  looks  exprest 
Fortune,  arnl  huge  affiictioa  in  his  breast. 

SEC.  2. — In  th^  extremity  of  his  anguish^  Job  laments 
that  ever  he  was  born^  and  regrets  tha  day  of  his 
birth. 

At  length  the  suffering  man  opprest  with   pain, 

Pour'd  forth  his  anguish  in  lamenting  strain: 

Regardless  he  that  day  my  years  began  ! 

That  night  forget  which  hail'd  the  new  born  man 

Dark,  total  darkness,  be  that  day  ;  nor  eye 

Of  God,  all  viewing  from  his  throne  on  high, 

Its  revolution  heed  :  nor  orient   beam 

Revisit,  gladd'ning  with  its  golden  stream. 

Let  death  possess  it  with  its  dreary  shade, 

Let  storm  and  thundVing  cloud  its  heav'n  invade  j 

Let  boding  signs,  from  all  the  quartered  sphere, 

Trouble  its  brow  and  terrify   the  year. 

That  night  let  darkness  in  his  realm   replace. 

Erase  it  from  the  rolls-  of  time,  erase. 

All  through  that  lonesome  time  may  silence  reign, 

Nor  joy  intrude,  nor  joy-awak'ning  strain. 

The  guilty  night  that  causM  my  mother's  throe, 

And  gave  me  being  but  to  give   me  woe.  ^ 

Ah  !  why  not  bury'd  in  the  womb  ?  or  why 

Not  favor'd,  recent  from  the  womb,  to  die  ? 

Why  did  the  midwife-knee  the  birth  receive  ? 

Or  the  full  pap  its  fatal  nurture  give  ? 

Else  1  had  lain,  at  ease,  in  sleep  profound, 

In  peaceful  chambers  of  the  cavern'd  ground. 

And  sweetly  rested  ;  with  a  princely  train,  \ 

Whose  burial  mansions  load  the  desert  plain.      V 

Vain  works  of  kings !  and  fill'd  with  wealth  as  vain!  ) 


68 

Or  like  the  abortive^  I  had  ne'er  begun  : 
Or,  not  less  happy,  ne'er  beheld  the  sun. 
The  still  born  infant's  lot  had  been  my  own, 
A  nameless  being,  and  a  grave  unknown. 
O  land  desir'd  !  where  tyrants  scourge  no  more, 
Where  chiefs  repose,  and  statesmen's  toils  are  o'er; 
The  captive's  home,  who  slumb'ring  on  his  clod, 
Hears  not  the  cruel  voice  nor  sounding  rod. 
There  great  and  small  are  undistinguish'd   mouldy 
And  there  the  slaves  among  the  free  enroll'd. 
Why  o'er  the  wretched  must  the  day-star  roll, 
Who  nauseate  life  in  bitterness  of  soul  ? 
Who  wait  the  coming  of  the  king  of  fears  ; 
Who  seek  the  ruthless  dart  his  hand  uprears. 
Impatient  seek  ;  as  greedy  misers  toil 
For  treasures  bury'd  in  the  rocky  soil  ? 
And  when  the  grave  appears,  with  sparkling  eyes, 
Spring  and  in  rapture  seize  the  blissful  prize. 
Why  must  I  breathe,  who  see  no  gleam  of  light 
Whom  God  environs  with    despair*s   black  night  r 
My  daily  meal  but  deepens  all  my  groans. 
And  like  the  bursting  sluice  I  pour  my  moans. 
Ah  boding  fears  1  I  suffered  what  I  fear'd  1 
Soon  as  divin'd,  the  dreaded  ill  appear'd  : 
Still  trembling,  suffering,  I'm    allow'd  to  know 
No  ease  from  terror,  nor  one  pause  in  woe. 

SEC.  3. — Speech  of  Eliphaz  occasioned  in  consequence 
ofJob^s  complaint — that,  instead  of  murmuring,  to 
submit  his  case  to  God,  which  in  the  end  would  turn 
to  his  advantage. 

The  Temanite  observ'd  :  To  speak  our  sense 
^hall  we  presume,  and  hazard  the  offence  ? 
But  whom  can  sHence  hold,  or  doubt  suspend 
Ta  truth  unfaithful  or  displease  a  friend  ? 


64 

Not  such  the  strain,  when  grief  attentive  hung 
On  the  wise  lessons  of  thy  powerful  tongue  : 
Affliction's  palsied  arm  was   stung  by  thee. 
The  tott'ring  step  eonfirm'd  and  feeble  knee  : 
What  numbers,  in  the  conflict,  half  subdu'd, 
Arous'd  to  courage,  strong  in  patience  stood  ! 
Now  touch  thyself,  and  thine  the  suffering  part, 
Maz'd  und  unmanned  thou  faintest  with  the  smart. 
Should  not  tby  piety,  beneath    the  rod. 
Inspire  a  noble  confidence  in  God  ? 
And  conseious  virtue,  by  its  glorious  power, 
Fill  thee  with  prospect  of  salvation's  hour  ? 
A  just  mail  perish  ?  innocence  overthrown  ? 
Name  the  strange  instance  ;  in  what  climate  known  ? 
But  sinners  thun,  if  I  these  eyes  believe. 
Fit  harvest  of  the  crimes  they  sow  receive. 
A  furious  storm,  the  Almighty's  angry  breath, 
Rush'd  down  and  smote  them  with  enormous  death. 
But  hear  the  word  divine,  to  me  convey'd. 
Than  pearls  more  precious,  in  the  midnight  shade  : 
Amidst  the  emotions  which  from   visions  rise. 
When  more  than  nature's  sleep  seals  human  eyes, 
Fear  seiz'd  my  soul,  the  hand  of  horror  strook 
My  shudd'ring  flesh  and  every  member  shook, 
For  a  strong  wind  with  rushing  fury  pass*d 
So  near,  so  loud,  blast  whirling  after  blast. 
That  my  hair  started  at  each  stiff^'ning  pore, 
And  stood  erect.     At  once  the  wild   uproar 
Was  hush'd  ;  a  presence  burst  upon  my  sight 
(I  saw  no  shape)  in  majesty  of  light : 
Voice  followed,  and  celestial  accents  broke. 
Which  in  these  terms  their   awful  dictates  spoke : 
^'  Is  God  arraigned  ?  absolv'd  man's  sinful  dust  ? 
"  Less  pure  his  Maker  ?  or  his  Judge  le«s  just  ? 
''  Lo  he  discerns,  discern'd  by  him   alone, 
"  Spots  in  the  sanctities  around  the  throne  : 


63 

"  Nor  trusts  his  noble  ministerg  of  flam^y 

"  To  yield  him  service  unalloyed  with  blame. 

"  Yet,  innocent  of  blame,  shall  man  be  found, 

"  Tenants  of  clay  and  reptiles  of  the  ground  ? 

"  Crush'd  like  the  moth,  these  beings  of  a  day 

**  With  unregarded  waste  are  swept  away  : 

^'  Their  honors  perish  and  themselves  descend 

"  Fools  to  the  grave  and  thoughtless  of  their  end.'^ 

Be  now  complainant,  the  defendant  see. 

Which  angel  will  espouse  thy  daring  plea  ? 

Learn,  learn  that  misery  is  the  mulct  of  sin. 

In  men^s  own  bosoms  all  their  woes  begin  : 

Revenge  or  envy  hurries  fools  along, 

Pursu'd  by  death,  to  cruelty  and  wrong. 

Think  not  those  changes  from  the  dust  arise^ 

Nor  seek  their  origin  below  the  skies  : 

Man  is  to  sorrow  born,  if  man  offend, 

As  surely  as  the  spiry  flames  ascend. 

Instead  of  murmur,  with  repenting  tear 

I'd  leave  my  cause  in  God's  all-gracious  ear: 

Whose  acts  are  great,  stupendous,  and  renown'd, 

Which  no  thought  fathoms  and  no  numbers  bound : 

Who  pouring  on  the  fields  his   genial  rain, 

Turns  a  burnt  desart  into  foodful  plain  : 

Who  lifts  the  lowly,  from  their  dust,  on  high, 

And  changes  into  song  the  mourner's  cry. 

O  scorn  not  thou  ;  the  same   kind   wounding  hand 

Its  balm  infuses  and  applies  its  band. 

Then  ills  on  ills  about  thy  path  may  swell ; 

In  vain !  his  arm  will  every  ill  repel. 

In  famine,  fulness  shall  thy  table  cheer, 

And  war,  wide  wasting,  shake  his  harmless  spear. 

Rages  the  tongue  of  slander  ?  undismayed, 

Walk  thou  in  covert  of  Almighty  shade. 

7 


66 

When  beasts  of  mischief  prowl,  with  smile  behold 
Thy  clust'ring  vineyard  and  thy  crowded  fold. 
Thy  foot  shall  be  in  cov'nant  with  the  stone, 
And  furious  dragons  thy  dominion  own. 
Know  also  5  that  thy  long-extended  race 
Shall  multiply  as  grass  before  thy  face  : 
Know  further ;  peace  thy  household  reign  shall  bless, 
And  all  thy  counsels  crown  thee  with  success. 
And  thou  all  hoary  to  the   grave  be  borne, 
As  to  its  heap  the  meliowM  ear  of  corn. 
Thus  speaks  our  searching  thought,  instruction  sure 
Apply,  embrace  it,  and  its  good  secure. 


CHAP.  III. 

SEC.  I. — Job  expostulates  with  his  Maker  ;  bitterly 
complains  of  the  severity  towards  hiin,  earnestly 
supplicates  relief  on  this  trying  occasion  ;  he  little 
expected  from  Eliphaz  such  harsh  constructions  of 
his  complaints^  much  less  that  his  innocence  would 
be  questioned  ;  he  therefore  expresses  the  various 
emotions  and  resentful  feelings  of  conscious  integ- 
rity^ stung  with  unjust  censures  and  groundless 
criminations. 

0  FOR  a  balance  pois'd  with  equal  hand  ! 

Lay  all  my  sorrows  there,  'gainst  ocean's  sand : 
Light  is  the  sand  whereon  the  billows  roll. 
When  weigh'd  with  all  the  sorrows  of  my  soul. 
Ah  !  therefore,  therefore,  does  my  boiling  woe 
In  such  a  vehemence  of  words  o*erflow. 

1  feel,  I  feel  the  Almighty's   venom'd  dart, 
His  arrows  fire  my  veins  and  drink  my  heart : 
'Gainst  me  his  terrors  set  in  thick  array, 
War  behind  war,  unbounded  wrath  display. 
As  the  tir'd  swain  pants  for  umbrageous  eve, 
To  rest  from  labour  and  his  hire  receive  -, 


67 

So  I but  I  am  destined  to  sustain 

Long  months  of  woe,  and  tedious  nights  of  pain  : 
Laid  on  my  pillow,  soon  I  wish  to  rise  ; 

0  when  will  midnight  gloom  forsake  the  skies  ? 

1  toss  from  side  to  side  ;  and  tossing  still 
Morn  eyes  me,  as  she  climbs  her  eastern  hill  ; 
A  mass  of  putrefaction  shrouded  o'er 

With  ulc'rous  wounds, and  worms  and  dirt  and  gore. 

My  days,  alas  !  how  rapid  have  they  pass'd  ! 

The  threaded  shuttle  never  flies  so  fust  : 

My  web  is  firiish'd.     No  remaining  clew 

(Such  hope  for  folly)  shall  the  work  renew. 

What  else  but  sorrow  is  the  time  of  man  : 

A  hireling's  life  his  predetermined  span  ? 

O  think,  roy  time  is  but  a  breath  ;  its  good 

A  flitting  vision  not  to  be   review'd  : 

Shewn  to  the  world  ;  ere  men  can  look  me  round, 

Thy  glance  but  strikes  me  and  I  am  not  found. 

A  morning  mist,  soon  vanish'd  out  of  sight, 

Is  man  descending  to  the  world  of  night 

Ne'er  to  return  :  his  house  no  more  will  own 

The  voice  forgotten  and  the  step  unknown. 

O  tort'ring  thought  I  I  will  not  now  control 

Th'  intolerable  anguish  of  my  soul  : 

Give,  give  my  tongue,  th'  unruly  passion  vent, 

In  bitterness  of  heart  I  will  lament. 

Ah  !  whensoe'er  my  aching    eyes  I  close. 

And  hope  the  anodyne  of  sweet  repose  ; 

Dream,  on  thy  errand  sent,  dire  forms  uprears, 

And  shakes  my  soul  with  visionary  fears  : 

Death,  even  by  the  strangling  cord,  were  bliss 

To  breathing  in  a  skeleton   like  this. 

O  how  it  would  my  longijig  soul  elate. 

Might  I  with  God  himself  my  cause  debate  i 


68 

And  plead  not  guilty  :  his  absolving  voice 
With  sweet  salvation  will  my  soul  rejoice  : 
None  but  the  wicked  his  tribunal  dread, 
Guilt  in  his  presence  dares  not  lift  its  head. 
Hear,  hear,  my  pleading  hear  ;  the  plann'd  defence, 
Assur'd  of  noble  triumph,  I  commence  : 
Stand  forth,  accuser  ;  thy  indictment   prove, 
I'll  yield  to  die  ;  nor  will  one   murmur  move. 
On  two  conditions  (O  indulge  that  grace) 
1*11  seek  no  shelter  from  thy  awful  face  : 
Remove  thy   crushing  hand  far  off;  and  dart 
No  dreadful  radiance  to  distract  my  heart  : 
Thou  then  arraign  ;  I'll  answer  with  my  plea  : 
O  deign  thou  answer,  while  I  question  thee  : 
What  is  this  mortal  ?  that  thy  lofty  thought 
Bestows  such  honour  on  a  thing  of  nought^ 
As  to  pursue  him  with  a  jealous  eye, 
Visit  each  morning  and  each  moment  try  ? 
What,  and  how  many,  are  my  sins  ?  reveal 
My  crimes,  my  treasons,  which  thy  rolls    conceal. 
What  provocation  veils  thy  face  in  frown  ? 
Why  me  proscribe  as  rebel  to  thy  crown  ? 
Shall  pow'r  almighty  give  the  whirlwind  law 
To  toss  a  leaf  and  persecute  a  straw  ? 
Decrees  severe  !  my  youthful  follies — these 
Now  feel  thy  vengeance — O  severe  decrees  ! 
With  bonds,  and  stripes,  and  durance  hard,  by  the^ 
The  punishment  of  slaves  is  laid  on  me  ; 
To  rottenness  and  worms  a  living  prey. 
Like  a  moth-eaten  vest  I  waste  away. 
O  that,  indulgent  to  my  earnest  cry, 
God  would  extend  his  thundering  arm  on  high  5 
Unpitiful  his  flaming  trident  throw, 
And  driving  through  its  mark  the  mortal  blow, 


69 

At  once  destroy  me.     In  that  horrid  death. 

Exulting  hope  shall  spend  my  latest  breath : 

For  never,  never  hath  my  faithful  breast 

The  mandates  of  his  holy  will  supprest. 

What  is  my  strength  ?  what  beckons  me  to  stay 

Still  lingering  here,  and  hope  some  healing  day  ? 

Is  my  flesh  fashion'd  of  unfeeling  brass  ? 

My  sinews  stubborn  as  the  marble  mass  ? 

In  this  weak  wasted  body,  can  I  find 

Recruit  from  one  sound  vital  left  behind  ? 

Behold  my  putrid  frame ;  it  was  not  cast 

A  substance  through  whole  centuries  to  lasti 

O  stay  thy  hand,  a  dying  mortal  spare ; 

The  bubble  life  will  quickly  burst  in  air : 

And  you,  my  friends,  reft*ain,  awhile  refrain, 

And  yield  me  a  short  breathing  pause  from  pain. 

That  I  have  sinn'd,  all-watehing  Power,  I  own  ; 

But  can  my  sins  alarm  th'  eternal  throne  ? 

Why  am  I  made  the  object  to  employ 

Thy  shafts?  the  nuisance,whieh  thou  wouldst  destroy? 

A  friend  the  sorrow  of  his  friend  should  feel, 

Relieve  by  pity  and  by  counsel  heal : 

Else,  void  of  bowels,  and  too  hard  for  tears, 

No  arbiter  of  human  woes  he  fears. 

You  all  now  fail  me  like  the  floods  which  roar 

Down  the  steep  hills  with  temporary  store  : 

Thick  with  the  vernal  thaw  their  torrents  grow, 

And  foam  impetuous  with  dissolving  snow. 

Anon,  the  fury  of  the  scorching  beams 

Drains  their  full  channels,  and  imbibes  their  streams : 

Short  and  more  short  the  shrinking  currents  run, 

Steal  into  air  and  perish  in  the  sun. 

Parch'd  Sheba  looks,  and  Tema's  thirsty  bands 

Hope  the  cool  waters  in  the  distant  sands  : 

7* 


70 

They  come ;  they  view,  confounded  at  their  trust, 
Where  foam'd  their  floods,  a  smothering  vale  of  dust. 
Alike   my   trust    in    you  ;   illusion    all  ! 
Friends  while  I  stood,  but  starting  at  my  fall. 
Ask'd   I  or  gift  or  ransom  ?  or  implor'd 
Your  arm  to  save  me  from  the  lifted  sword  ? 
Candour  is  all  I  ask ;  with  candour  taught, 
Pm  mute ;  I  never  will  defend  a  fault : 
Whom  should  a  just  rebuke,  well  tim'd,  displease  ? 
But  what  conviction  in  harangues  like  these  ? 
Have  ye  caball'd  for  this  ?  and  thou  their  chief  ? 
At  sounds  to  quarrel,  breath  of  hopeless  grief  ? 
Cruel !   you  wound  the  fatherless  ;  you  bend 
The  bow  of  satire   at  your  bleeding  friend. 
O  come,  vouchsafe  to  view  me ;  can  you  trace 
Guilt's  evident   confusion  in  my  face  ? 
Review  my  plaint,  nor  call  rebellion  mine  ; 
Again  review,  its   innocence   will   shine  : 
Or    rather,  will   not  generous  mercy  plead. 
Cancel  my  trespass,  and  my  healing  speed  ? 
Lest,  when  the  morrow's  dawning  beams  appear, 
Mv  friends  should  seek  me  and  not  find  me  here. 


CHAP.  IV. 

jjEC.  I. — Zophar^  havmg  attended  to  Job's  defence 
against  the  reasonings  of  Eliphaz  and  Bildad^  who 
proceeded  on  the  principle^  that  misfortune  is  a 
proof  of  guilt,  and  consequently  that  Job  was  not  a 
good  inan^  prosecutes  the  argiiment  against  him 
with  vehemence  and  violence^  on  the  same  false 
ground^  and  exhorts  him  to  repentance^  ^c. 

ZopHAR,  inflam'd  replies.  Is  noise  defence  ? 
Artful  harangue  a  proof  of  innocence  P 


n 

Shall  vain  boasts  silence  us  ?  no  speaker  rise  ? 
No  honest  tongue  ihy  insolence  chastise  ? 
Thy  boldness  clamours  to  the  throne  divine^ 
*'  Pure  is  my  conscience,  spotless  virtue  mine.'^ 
O  would  the  Almighty,  to  thy  wish  appear ! 
Expose   thy  guilt,  and  thunder  in  thy  ear 
Vengeance,  that  wisdom  from  our  world  conceals, 
Double  the  worst  which  here  the  sinner  feels  : 
Taught  then,  that  justice  hath  requir'd,  as  yet, 
Not  half  the  value  of  thy  penal  debt. 
Wouldst  thou  th'  Eternal  with  thy  line  explore  ? 
Fathom  almighty  thought  and  find  its  shore  ? 
Go  mete  heaven's  height,  the  depth  of  Hades  sound, 
Span  the  wide  earth,  and  reach  o'er  ocean's  bound. 
He  smites,  imprisons,  executes  :  what  tongue 
Shall  dare  to  mutter,  "  hast  thou  done  no  wrong  ?" 
He   knows  impostors,  shall  he  not  requite 
The  sin   clandestine,  acted  in   his   sight  ? 
That  fools  may  be   reelaim'd,  sound  sense  supply 'd, 
To  fill  the  world  with  ignorance  and  pride  5 
And   nature's  as  the  Zebra's   colt  untam'd, 
Subdu'd  by   reason,   into  men  be   fram'd. 
Thou,  therefore,  quell  thy  haughty  spirit ;  bend, 
Bend  thy  stift'knee ;  thy  suppliant  hands  extend  : 
Shake  out  the  bribe,  the  unrighteous  gain  expel 
Nor  suffer  rapine   in   thy  tents   to  dwell ; 
Unclouded  then,  and   unconfus'd   with  fear, 
Thy  face  erect  and  sparkling  shall  appear : 
Woe   in   thy  memory  shall    leave  no  trace, 
Like  violent  waters  vanish'd  from  their  place: 
A   happier    age  succeeds  :   emerging  soon 
Fair  as  the  morn,  more  luminous  than  noon  : 
For  thou,  known  favourite  of  celestial  pow'r, 
"Safe  in  the  waking  and  the  slumb'ring  hour. 


7» 

*\roun(l  thy  wells,  ihy  crouching  flocks  around, 
Shall  range  thy  tents  along  the  grassy  ground  *• 
No  terror  shall  thy  peaceful  camp  alarm. 
And  princely  chiefs  shall  court  thy  powerful  arm. 
Lo,  God,  impartial  in  his  frown  and   smile, 
Nor  hates  the  worthy  nor  befriends  the  vile  : 
Nor  thee  will  leave,  till  laughter  in  thy  eyes 
Shall  sparkle,  and  the  hymn  triumphant  rise  : 
While  on  thy  foes  he  pours  eternal  shame. 
Overthrows  the  wicked  and  uproots  their  name. 
But  stubborn  sinners  watch  with  wearied  eyes. 
Help,  far  away  from  their  distresses  flies. 
And  death's  black  shades,their  last  sad  refuge,  rise. 


CHAP.  V. 

SEC.  I. — Job  replies — that  although  he  knows  his 
cause  to  be  good  and  free  of  guilty  proceeds  ear- 
nestly  soliciting  from  the  Mnighty  his  compassion^ 
ate  attention  J  enters  into  a  description  of  his  mis* 
erable  situation^  and  humbly  begs  relief. 

I,  THEN,  shall  I,  against  a  pow'r  so  great 
Presume  to  rise,  and  study  bold  debate  ? 
My  cause,  though  just,  I  never  will  defend 
Were  he  the  plaintifi*,  but  a  suppliant  bend  : 
Or  should    I   bring  the   hardy  action,  he 
Humble  his  greatness  in  responsive  plea  ; 
I  never  would  believe  my  voice  had  found 
Audience  of  him  ;  who  smote  me  to  the  ground 
With  tempest  unprovok'd  ;  and  urges  still. 
Not  isufffering  me  to  breathe,  with  sharpest  ill. 
Can  force  avail  ?  th'  almighty  shakes  the  rod  : 
Can  justice  ?  who  shall  be  the  judge  of  God  ? 
Though  just  my  cause,  e*en  innocence  must  wear 
A  blush   before  him,  if  disputing   there  : 


7S 

With  him  disputing,  virtue's  plea  is  vain, 
The   plea  itself  the   pleader  will   arraign. 
My  heart,  and  surely  my  own  heart  1  know,- 
Tells  me  I'm  upright ;  yet  my  portion's  woe. 
AVoe  is    my    portion   in   severe  degree 
And   life  is   made  a    heavy  load  to  me. 
Sick,  sick  of  living,  my  complaint  I'll  loose, 
1   will    the    anguish  of  my  soul  eifuse : 
AVill  say  to  God,  condemn  me  not  untry'd  ; 
Ah !    why   from   me    my  accusation   hide  ! 
Canst   thou    by  arbitrary  will    be   led  ? 
Lay  guilt's  demerits  on  my  guiltless  head  ? 
Hate  thy  own  workmanship  ?  and  dart  thy  ray 
On  daring  sinners,  who  blaspheme  thy  sway  ? 
Is  man's  gross  eye,  and  partial  vision,  thine  P 
Live  human  passions  in  the  mind  divine  ? 
Is  thy  existence  like  a  mortal's  span  ? 
Are  thy  years  bounded  as  the  years  of  man  ? 
That  time  and  torture  must  to  thee  reveal 
Suspected   treason,  which  my  wiles  conceal. 
Thy  knowledge  clears  me  5  yet  thy  boundless  mighty 
By  none  evaded    or  by  force  or  flight, 
Destroys  my  frame  ;  which  thy  own  matchless  art 
Fashion'd  with  curious  ties  of  part  to  part. 
Remember,  O  remember,  that   like  clay 
Whose  shapes  the  workman's  plastic  will  obey, 
My  form  thou  mouldest  from  its  earthy  grain  5 
And  thou  wilt  crumble  me  to  earth  again. 
O  think  of  those  kind  moments,  when  began 
Thy  hands  to  sketch  the  rudiment  of  man  5 
Curdled  the  milky  drop,  my  limbs  defin'd, 
"With  flesh  and  skin  my  tender  substance  lin'd, 
With  sinews  brae'd,  and  fenc'd  with  solid  bone  : 
Compacted  thus,  to  natal  vigour   grown, 


74 

Thy  care  edtie-d  me,  and  thy  favour  crovvn'd  ; 

And  still  thy  power  upholds  on  living  ground. 

Yet,  well  I  know,  the  secret  of  thy  mind 

These    evils,  in  reserve,  for  me  designed  ; 

llesolv'd  to  follow  me  with  w^atchful  eyes, 

Each  sin  to  notice,  and  each  sin  chastise : 

If  wicked,  the  predestin'd  woe  comes  down  j 

Righteous,  I  droop  beneath  thy  fatal  frown. 

Full  of  confusion,  and  o'erwhelm'd  with  scorn, 

By  all    beholders,  as  a  wretch   forlorn. 

Chas'd    like   a   lion,  hotly  chas'd   by  thee. 

Thy  plagues,  stupendous  plagues,  were  heap'd  on  me. 

Jav'lins,  on  jav'iins   huri'd,  the  war  renew, 

And  woes   succeeding  woes  my  life   pursue. 

Why  did  I  breathe  ?  O  happy  had  I  been, 

Had  I  this   world  of  sorrow  never  seen  I 

A  being,  and   no  being  ;  from   the  womb. 

Hurried  in  midnight   silence  to   the  tomb. 

Ah  !  'tis  a  little,  which   of  life   remains  5 

O  spare   that  little,  O   remove  my  pains  : 

Ere,  never   to  return,  my  foot  descends 

To  realms  where  death  his  horrid  shade  extends  : 

Realms,  which  in  shades  of  dolesome  darkness  lie  ; 

Cold    dense   obscurity,  without   a  sky  5 

Without  a  twinkling  star,  and  where  the  light 

Is   one  eternal  noon   of  dismal    night. 

My  days  are  speeding  with  a  courier's  haste, 

A  glance  at  pleasure,  not  allow'd  to  taste  ; 

Swift  as  the  rush  boat  down  the  swelling  Nile, 

Swift  as  an  eagle  darts  upon  the  spoil. 

If  sweet  hope  whisper,  "  thy  lamenting  tongue 

*'  The  style  of  sorrow  shall  forget  ere  long ; 

''  Thy  brow  remove  its  cloudy  veil,  like  morn, 

^<  And  placid  smile  thy  open  face  adorn  ;'* 


75 

Then  all  my  sutt*'rings  rise  ;  I  sink  with  fear, 
Despairing   thy  absolving  voice   to   hear. 

Yes,  I  am  wicked wherefore  waste  I  time, 

In  fruitless   labor  to  disprove  my  crime  ? 
Unsullied  as  if  wash'd  in  melted  snow. 
These  harmless  hands  I  never  blush'd  to  show: 
Yet  drown'd  in  mire  by  thee  I*m  so  impure, 
Not  my  own  garments  will  my  touch  endure. 
Is  he  a  man,  my   fellow,  can   we  meet 
Parties  in  doubtful  strife,  at  judgment's  seat  r 
Who  shall,  as  arbiter  between    us    stand, 
To  lay  on  both  his  reprehensive  hand  ? 
Let  him  remove  his  rod,  nor  let  the  blaze 
Of  Godhead  stun  me  with  his  dreadful  rays  5 
Then  fearless  I  would  plead  :  but  thus  distrest, 
All  is   confusion  in  my  guiltless  breast. 


CHAP,  VI. 

SEC.  I.  &  II. — Contains  a  further  fiery  speech  from 
Eliphaz  ivith  bitter  sarcasms,  reproaclies,  ^c. — in 
the  3d  section  he  however  advises  Job  to  humble  him- 
self before  God,  who  in  the  end  would  bestow  on 
him  his  grace  and  favour. 

The  Temanite  then  said,  AVhat  storm  is  this, 
From  our  wise  man  of  pride  and  emptiness  1 
This  wisdom's  language  P   Is  a  wise  man's  mind 
Big  with  the  poison  of  an  eastern  w  ind  ? 
When  man  is  wise,  he  then   again  replied, 
'Tis  for  himself :  does  Heav'n  the  gain  divide  ? 
Must  God  high  value  on  thy  virtue  set  ? 
If  thou   art  just,  is  providence   in  debt  ? 


76 

And  will  he,  trembling,  from  his  throne  descend, 
To  still   thy  cavils   and   his  ways  defend  ? 
Art  thou  unconscious  of  thy  vast  offence  ? 
Is  not  the  number  of  thy  sins  immense  ? 
Extortions  from  thy  kin  defile   thy  hands, 
The  shivering  loin  its  rag  from  thee  demands. 
To  thee  the  thirsty  sued,  the  famish'd  sigh'd, 
SeaPd  was  thy  fountain,  and  thy  crust  deuy'd. 
A  fav'rite  name  enjoy'd  his   spoil  secure. 
The  strongest  arm  still  made  the  title  sure ; 
While  the  wrong'd  widow  pour'd  her  fruitless  moan, 
And  orphans  crush'd  by  thy  injustice  groan. 
Hence  ambus'd  ills  about  thy  path  were  set. 
Hence   the  dire  sweep  of  desolation's  net; 
Hence  black  despair,  like  night  around  thee  spread, 
And  booming  waters  billowing  o'er  thy  head. 
Beholds  not  God,  from  his  ethereal  seat. 
The  stars  dim-twinkling  far  beneath  his  feet  ? 
Yet  mark  the  distance,  how  immensely  far. 
From  this  low  dwelling  to  the  nearest  star  ! 
Thy  frenzy  argu'd  ;   can  the  ways  of  men 
Lie  in  the  compass  of  his  bounded  ken  ? 
Gross  atmosphere,  with  interposing  screen 
Conceals  the  prospect  of  this  earthly  scene ; 
He,  veil'd  in  clouds,  to  his  own  cares  confined, 
Walks  round  his  azure  realms  unheeding  human  kind. 

SEC.  II. 

O  THOU,  whose  passion  at  the  ways  of  God, 
Rends  thy  own  soul,  shall  he  renounce  his  rod. 
Desert  our  world,  or  change  his  fix'd  decrees. 
As  the  rock  fix'd,  thy  murmurs  to  appease  i 
And  will  you  thus  abuse  the  pow'rs  of  breath. 
To  vent  opinions  mischievous  as  death  ? 


77 

Death  to  religion,  to  all   virtue   bane. 

Thy  words  the  lifted  hands  of  prayer  restrain. 

Thy  mouth  bewrays,  spite  of  its  glossing  art 

Th'    impiety  close-lurking  in    thy   heart  : 

By  thy  own  mouth  eondemn'd,  what  need  of  mine  ? 

Sufficient  voucher   for   thy  guilt   is  thine. 

Born  before  Adam,  saw  thy  favour'd  eyes 

The  wood-erown'd  hills  from  eldest  ocean  rise  ? 

Hast  thou  in   the  celestial  synod   stood  ? 

The  counsels  heard,  th*  Almighty's  edicts  viewM  ? 

Dost  thou  possess  the  secrets  of  his   rule  ? 

Thou  oniy  wi«e  and    ev^ry   man   a  fool  ? 

What  boasts  thy  knowledge  above  ours  ?  Behold, 

With  us  the  head  in  grave  experience  old  ; 

Yea  th'  old  man,  to  whom  low-bending  years 

Thy  father's  wrinkled  age  as  youth  appears. 

Mean  are  divine  emollients  ?  held  for  vile, 

Friendship's  monitions  couch'd  in  friendly  style  ? 

Whither  will  headlong  pride  impel  thy  soul  ? 

How  fiercely  wild  thy  flashing  eye-balls  roll, 

Thy   spirit   turning    upon    God    again. 

And  passion   raving  in  audacious  strain  I 

^'  What,  piireuess  challeng'd  by  a  child  of  dust  ? 

*'  By  woman  born,  the  lofty  style  of  just  ^ 

**  Not  pure  not  just,  before  his  piercing  sight, 

*•  Are  even  his  holy  ministers  of  light ; 

^^  How  then,  that  foul  abominable  thing, 

"  Who  sins  as  eager  as  he  quaffs  his  spring  f 

SEC     III. 

Humble  thyself  to  God,  resign  thy  prey  ; 
Rich  harvest  follows  the  repenting  day  : 
Embrace  his  lesions,  his  imperial  word 
Deep  in  the  table  of  thy  heart  record. 

7t 


78 

Vagrant  from  Goci,  return  ;  with  sparkling  eyes 

Then  see  thj  bow'r  reneu'd  in  beauty  rise  : 

But  hallow'd  be  thy  tents,  expel  from  thene« 

All    cover'd    crime  and    manifest  oft'ence. 

Leave  Ophir's  gold  in  her  own  streams  to  shine, 

God  allsuffieieut   be  lliy  boundless   mine. 

To   him,  in    blest  fruition  of  his  grace, 

Noble   aiiianee  shall   erect   thy   face. 

He'll  crown  ihy  prayer,  mature  thy  vows  in  praise. 

Thy  edicts  stablish,  and  illume  thy  ways. 

The  proud  shall  sink,  on  thy  complaint  deprest^ 

Affliction   sing,  redeem'd  at   thy  request  : 

The  righteous  man  shall  stay  th'  Almighty's  hand, 

And  turn  the  thunder  from  a  sinning  land. 


CHAP.  YII. 

fiEc  I. — Contains  a  speech  of  JoKs,  in  which  he  com- 
plains of  his  friend^  s  derision  and  severity .  and  from 
his  arguments  it  follows,  that  a  man's  worldly  condi- 
Hon,  whether  prosperous  or  adverse,  is  no  criterion 
of  his  moral  character. — sec.  ii — Reflects  irrever* 
ently  on  his  J^Jaker  ;  he  however  in  the  third  section 
anticipates  a  future  triumph^  ^c.  Sfc* 

Yes,  answer'J  Job,  ye  are  the  enlightened  few, 
Fav'rites  (>f  wisdom  !  will  she  die  with  you  ? 
And  yet   my  portion  of  the  menial  ray 
Is   not   inferior   to    \otir  boasted   day. 
And  should  not  judgment  be  the  crown  of  age  f 
And  snow  while  locks  bespeak  th'  experienc'd  sage? 
But   disputants    you   are,  and  your  replies 
Show  pompous  triflers  and   invidious  spies  ^ 


79 

Be  dumb,  so  prove  your  wisdom  ;  dumb  receive 
Sharp  eastigation,  which  my  lips  shall  give. 
Oa  God's  behalf  these  methods  will  you  dare 
Unjust  iu   judging,  in    disputes   unfair  ? 
To  him   be   partial,  half  the   truth  conceal  ; 
Then  sanctify  the  fraud  and  call  it  zeal  ? 
Can  you  abide  his  test  ?  will  soothing  style, 
Which  man  deceives,  th'  Almighty's  ear  beguile  ? 
If  partial   thought   work   secretly  within, 
Tremble  5  be  certain  he  \i\\\  mark  the  sin. 
Shall    not   his   majesty  your  fears  alarm  ? 
Nor   yet  the  thunder  of  his  lifted   arm  ? 
What  are  your  boasted  maxims  ?  what  your  heap 
Of  swelling  promises  ?  I  hold  them  cheap  : 
Like    as   the   dust  before  the   rising   gale 
Molehills  of  sand,  as  worthless  and  as  frail. 
Peace,  unraolestiug   while  1  pour   abroad 
My  honest    pleadings    by  no    peril    aw'd  : 
Befall  what  will;  I'll  put  within  my  hand 
My  trembling  life,  and  every  danger  stand. 
Officious   in    my    case   I    find   you   all, 
Your  documents  are  stings,  your  comforts  gall. 
With  endless  brawl  shall  declamation  roar  ? 
What  rous'd  by  passion  to  one  tempest  more  ? 
Would  I  thus  pour  rough  answers  in  your  ear  ? 
Hard  as  your  hearts,  and  as  your  style  severe, 
Or  shake  the  scornful  head,  should  heav'n  assign 
Your  soul  the   miserable  place  of  mine  ? 

Ah  !  no soft  pity  should  inspire  my  phrase, 

I'd  soothe  your  sorrows  and  your  courage  raise. 

For  me O  what  shall  mollify  my  grief, 

Nor  plaining  yields,  nor  silence  yields  relief; 
And  now  I  faint  beneath  its  swelling  load, 
By  sland'roas  tongues  unpeople  my  abode  : 


80 

Vm  siez'd  as  though  a  homicide  by  thee; 
Then  blaekeii'd  with  thy  dariug  calumuy. 

SEC.  II. 

An  I  so  it  pleas'd  th'  Almighty  to  ordain, 

Ev'n  to  expose  me  in  his  shaming  chain, 

To  sons    of  Belial,  to   licentious   throngs, 

And    the  rude  insult  of  reviling  tongues. 

I   once  was  happy,  but  his  forceful  hand 

Siez'd,  shook  me,  hurl'd  me  from  my  lofty  stand  r 

Then,  bruised  and  dash'd  to  pieces,  still  on  me, 

Fix'd  for  his  mark,  vengeance  I'm  doom'd  to  see. 

His    unrelenting  bowmen  hem    me   round, 

Pierce,  cleave  me,  shed  my  viuJs  on  the  ground. 

'Tis  he,  e'en  he,  th'  Almighty,  is  my  foe, 

His  strong  arm  hews  me,  thund'ring  blow  on  blow. 

Grief's  sable  weed  to  my  flaid  body  grows. 

Grief  on  my  honour'd  head  foul  ashes  throws, 

Grief  mars   my  face  with  scalding  tears,  and  night 

Black  as  the  grave  sits  heavy  on  my  sight.       ' 

Yet  are  these  hands  with  no  injustice  stain'd  : 

Pure  from  these  lips  still  flows  the  prayer  unfeign'd : 

O   earth,  the   blood   accusing  ine  reveal  ; 

Its   piercing  voice   in  no  recess  conceal ; 

My  witness  lives  in  heav'n  whose  conscious  view 

Does  all  my  goings  and  my  thoughts  pursue.    ' 

The  pastime  of  my  friends,  my  streaming  eye 

Looks  up  for  pity  to  the  pow'r  on  high. 

O  might   1   argue  in   his   ear,  and  free 

As  in  a  mortal   court   maintain  my  plea: 

p  fix    my   trial ;   cheerful   I'll   appear 

Before  thy  face,  my  injured  fame  to  clear. 

Who  shall  arise,  who  give  his  plighting  hand 

As  adverse  party  in  this  strife  to  stand  ? 


81 

Not  these  ;  for  these  thou  leavest  to  a  mind 
Bemaz'd  in  error  and  with  passion  blind  : 
These  thou  wilt  ne'er  exalt,  nor  such  ordoin 
Thy  cause  to  argue,  and  thy  ways  explain, 
Whoe'er  with  libel  stabs  his  weeping  friend, 
His  race  shall  friendless  to  the  grave  descend  : 
This  bold  defanier  shews  me  for  a  sign, 
A  dire   example  of  the  wrath  divine  : 
Hence  my  wan  look,  and  eye  with  sorrow  dim, 
Hence  like  a  shadow  seems  each  wasted  limb. 
Doubtless  the  just,  astonished  at  the  sight/ 
'Gainst  the  proud  scorner  will  their  zeal  excite  : 
The  friends  of  virtue  will  their  way  pursue, 
And   fearless   innocence   its   force    renew. 
But  you,  all  you,  repent  ;  your  thoughts  revise, 
Shall  I  not  find  e'en  one  among  you  wise  ? 

^Tis  past O  life,  farewell my  blissful  schemes 

Are  broken  off ah  too,  too  pleasing  dreams  ! 

All-cheering  sun,   adieu,  sepulchral  night, 
Blot  the  bright  vision  ;  and  be  thou  my  light ; 
My  hope   another   bed,   another  home, 
A  bed  of  darkness  and  my  house  the  tomb. 
Thou  art  my  father,  grave  ;  my  mother's  claim 
Be  thine,  O  worm,  and  thine  a  sister's  name. 
My  hope  !  where  is  it  ?  who  my  hope  shall  see  ? 
It  shall  descend  the  winding  grots  with  me  : 
Behold  and  wonder!  there  my  hope  and  I 
On    the  same  couch  of  dust  reposing  lie, 

SEC.  III. 

I  KNOW  that  he  whose  years  can  ne'er  decay, 
Will  from  ihe  grave  redeem  my  sleepirjg  clay; 
When  the  last  rolling  sun  shall  leave  the  skie% 
I  shall   revive  and   o'ei*   the   dast  arise; 

n* 


8S 

Then  shall  this  mangled  skin  new  form  assnmei 
This  flesh  then  flourish  in  immortal  bloom  : 
My  raptur'd  eyes  the  judging  God  shall  see, 
Estrang'd  no  more,  but  friendly  then  to  me. 
How  does  the  lofty  hope  my  soul  inspire  I 
T   burn,  I  faint  with  vehement   desire. 
Be  warn'd,  no  more  my  innocence  pursue  : 
Ks  cause  shall  triumph  in  that  just  review. 
Tremble ;  these  wrongs  th'  avenging  sword  demand, 
The  sword  which  arms  the  Almighty  Ruler's  hand  : 
You  then  shall  know,  that  injur'd  virtues  sigh 
Found  audience  with  an  equal  Judge  on  high. 


CHAP.  viir. 

Job  denies  the  guilt  imputed  to  himbij  his  friends^ — 
places  full  confidence  in  the  undeviating  justice  of 
Qod — expresses  his  admiration  on  the  immensity  of 
his  poiuer. 

Why  are  yonr  thoughts,  my  friends,  resolv'd  in  wrong, 

HarsU  answers  still  spring  forward  on  your  tongue  $ 

Cease  then ;  nor  falsities  for  comforts  vend, 

Alike  to  truth  unfaithful  and  your  friend. 

Of  whom  hast  thou  harangu'd  }  whose  breath  hath  cast 

Such  wond'rous  wisdom  from  your  mouths  at  last? 

Jehovah    will   in    pity   set  me   free, 

And    let   me  once  again  his  mercy   see. 

To  him    my  fervent   supplications    cry, 

Nor  will  his  ear  be  deaf,  nor  pitiless  his  eye. 

Guide  me,  O  guide  me,  to  the  near  recesi. 

E'en  to  his5  throne  of  judgment  I  would  press  i 

A  thousand  reasonings,  regular  and  strong 

The  flow  ©f  innocence  shall  fill  my  tongue  5 


8S 

His  answer,  welcome  to   my  longing  ear, 
Would  the  cause  of  these  strange  sufferings  clear. 
Will  he  confound  me  with  his  dreadful  might  ? 
No,  but   my  courage  at   his  bar  excite  : 
There   bold    integrity  may  urge   its    plea, 
And  there  shall  triumph  be  ordain'd  for  me. 
Ah  !  should  I  journey  this  terrestrial  round, 
He  no  where  in  its  eastern  coast  be  found. 
In  vain  1  seek  him  on   the  western  shore, 
In  vain  his  footsteps  in  the  north  explore. 
Or  in  the  south  :   He,  working  in  his  might, 
Wrapt  in  impervious  shades  eludes  my  sights 
But,  not  unknowing  in  my  ways,  he  knows 
My  truth   his   utmost  proving  undergoes, 
As  gold  the  furnace;  and  like  gold  shall  rise, 
Emerging,  with   new  lustre,  to    his  eyes. 


CHAP.   IX. 

Pirst  section  contains  a  Jiery  speech  from  Zopkar  t^ 
Job^  calculated  to  exasperate  the  wounds  already 
advanced  by  Eliphaz  and  Bildad^  it  appears,  for 
the  sole  purpose  of  provoking  him  to  further  excesses 
of  complaint, — which  occasions  Job's  justification 
in  a  subsequent  chapter. — Second  section  contains 
the  introduction  of  Elihu,  with  a  speech  to  JoBa 
similar  to  those  given  by  his  associates. 

Therefore,  the  fierce  Naamathite  replied, 
My  thoughts,  returning  with  impetuous  tide, 
Impel  oue  answer  more,  nor  needs  my  ear 
Thy  warning,  nor  thy  menace  will  1  fear. 
Art  thou  unknowing,  that  the  voice  of  time, 
Since  man  was  planted  in  this  earthly  clime, 


8* 

Proclaims,  the  song  of  profligates  is  short, 

Th'  oppressor's  festal  but  a  moment's  sport  ? 

Advancing,  and   advancing  let  him  rise 

Till  his  proud  climax  touch  the  starry  skies  : 

Behold  his  fall  !  like  his  own  odour  tost 

Into  oblivion,  from    the    world    he's    lost. 

And  wond'ring  throngs,  who  saw  his  envied  height^ 

Ask  "whither  has  the  meteor  wing'd  his  flight  ?" 

He's  vanished  as  a  dream  ;  he's  chas'd  away, 

Like  a   night-vision   by  the    waking  day. 

No  eye  that  glanc'd  him  shall  the  glance  renew, 

His  place  no  more  its  haughty  muater  view. 

For  full  of  manhood's  sap,  his  bones  robust 

Lie  in  the  grave,  and  with  him  rot  in  dust  : 

Heirs  of  his  woes,  his  helpless  orphans  flee 

For   shelter  to   the   huts   of  poverty. 

His  crime  is  witness'd  by  the  stormy  skies, 

The  hostile  earth  against  his  crime  will  rise. 

And  his  whole  fortune   that  avenging  day 

Like  torrents  rattling  down  the  rocks  shall  melt  awayr 

SEC.  ir, — Speech  of  Elihu. 

Attend,  O  Job  ;    with  no  unheeding  soul 
Receive  my  reasonings,  patient  of  the  whole  : 
Unmix'd  with  passion,  from  a  tongue  sincere, 
No  mean    monition   shall   invite   thy  ear, 
That  forming  spirit  which  all  flesh  inspires. 
Breathes  in  my  lungs  and  feeds  the  vital  fires  i 
Me  answer,  if  thou  canst,  thy  plea  dispose. 
Stand  firm,  and  with  thy  fellow-mortal  close. 
I   to    thy  wish   arise,  for  God   I  speak  ; 
Fashion'd  like  thee  of  elements  as  weak. 
My  arm  no  thunder  wields,  my  face  displays 
No  Godhead  terrors  and  overwhelming  blaz^^ 


89 

PVe  hear'd  thee  vauDt  thy  piirenes9,  heard  thee  ctaiHi 

Unsullied   virtue   and    a  faultless    name  ; 

Hear'd  thee  accuse  thy  God,  of  hate  eomplaio^ 

And  studied  quarrel,  and  his  cruel  chain  ; 

Are  these  a  just  man's  murmurs  ?  Mortal  know 

God  reisjns  above,  our  blindness  creeps  beh)w  : 

AVhy  dost  thou  wrangle  with  a  Power,  whose  thront 

Will   justify   its    mystic    ways   to   none  ? 

Trembles  his  empire,  if  thy  sins  increase  ? 

Or  to   thy  virtue  must  he  owe  his  peace  ? 

Thy  sins,  vain  worm,  a  fellow-worm  may  wound  5 

Thy  virtue  bless  a  brother  of  the  ground  f 

Thou  say'st,  '^  He  gives  no  midnight  song  to  me. 

His   healing  day  I  ne'er  alas  !  shall  see/' 

Submit,  and  hope  :  thy  cause  before  him  lies, 

As  yet  unchasten'd  for  his  stout  replies, 

Nor  lightly  chasten'd  Job  exalts  his  tone, 

Lo(juacious  trifier  with  vainglory  blown. 


CHAR  X. 

SEC.  I — «5n  air  of  sad  solemnity  is  diffused  over  the. 
principal  part  of  this  chapter^  in  a  train  of  gloomy 
ideas,  rising  successively  in  a  mind  like  Job^s^frorii 
the  reflections  of  his  friends. — proceeds  in  exhib- 
iting the  deplorable  condition  of  man  in  thegrav^? 
and  supplicates  relief  from  the  Mmighty. 

Frail  native  of  the  womb,  his  age  a  span, 
Fiird  full  of  trouble,  is  the  life  of  man; 
A  tender  flow'ret  gather'd  in  its  prime  ; 
A  shadow  gliding  o'er  the  plain  of  time. 
Does  this  weak  thing  employ  thy  jealous  eye  ? 
Its  faults  the  business  of  thy  bar  supply? 


86 

Proirt  a  foul  spring  can  limpid  waters  run  ? 
Lives  there  a  man  from  failings  pure  ?  not  one. 
His  date  is  shortened,  and  his  term  assigned. 
The   bond  unpassable  by  thee  defin'd: 
Yield  him  some  respite  ;  turn,  O  turn  away, 
And  leave  this  hireling  to  enjov  his  day. 
A  tree  which  falls  beneath  the  wounding  steel, 
Hopes  a  new  growth  the  cruel  wound  to  heal: 
Yeaj  though  its  sapless  bole  with  age  decay. 
The  roots  half  mould'ring  in  the  unwater'd  clay; 
Touch'd  by  the  vital  stream  its  buds    around, 
Like  a  young  plantjwith  flow'rs  and  fruitage  crown'd. 
But  man  expir'd,  what  latent  powers  restore  ? 
Man  disappears,  and  who  beholds  him  more  ? 
The  pool  its  water  loses,  and  the  stream 
Dries  to  a  desert,  in  the  scorching  beam  5 
So  man  is  lost :  in  dust  supine  he  lies. 
Nor,  till  the  spheres  forget  to  wheel,  shall  rise : 
While  day  and  night  their  beauteous  order  keep. 
Death  binds  him  fast  in  ever-during  sleep. 
The  sun  doth  sei :  the  sun  doth  rise  again, 
The  day  doth  close  ;  the  day  doth  break  agaiti ; 
Once  sit  our  smw,  again  it  riseth  never, 
Once  close  our  day  of  life,  it's  night  for  ever. 

0  hide  me,  screen  me,  in  sepulchral  shade, 
Till  this  fierce  tempest  of  thy  wrath  be  laid  : 
Set  me  a  season,  when  with  accent  mild, 
Thy  voice  shall  waken  thy  remember'd  child. 
But  shall  a  carcass  rotted  in  the  tomb. 
Quicken  and  flourish  with  a  second  bloom  ? 
Patient  of  life,  throughout  my  suflF'ring  state, 

1  would  that  blissful  renovation  wait. 

O  haste,  arraign  me.  my  warm  pleading  hear  5 
And  with  a  father's  heart  incline  thy  ear. 


87 

All  !  too  serere,  observant  of  my  ways, 
Thy  mem'ry  numbers  every  step  that  strays  : 
Ail  annail'd  in  thy  rolls,  beneath  thy  seal, 
My  sins  are  treasur'd  and  thy  frown  1  feel. 


CHAP.  XL 

Contains  speeches  collected  principally  from  Bildad,     g_ 
representing  in  a  lofty  strain^  the  terrible  Majesty^     T^i 
supreme  dominion^  and   infinite  perfections  of  the 
Deity,  Sfc. 

BiLDAD  again  replies:  To  dictate  law 
High  on  a  throne  supreme,  to  hold  in  awe 
Superior  worlds,  and  order  to  maintain 
Through  bonudless  regions  of  etherial  reign, 
BcioMgs  to  God.     What  num'«ers  ean   define 
His  winged  arniie?  which  aroun»l  him  shine  P 
Does  not  hi*  glory  fill  the  realms  of  day, 
And  each  bright  seraph  glitter  with  his  ray? 
To  this  grand  Being  shall  a  mortal  tongue 
Audacious  say,  "  thy  prorvidence  is  wrong, 
^  My  ways  are  equal  ?"  shall  a  thing  of  dust 
Assume    the    lofty  attribute    of  just? 
Before  his  blaze  the  moon  abashM  retires  5 
Before  his  blaze  fade  all  the  starry  fires  : 
He  reigns  supreme  above  the  lofty  sky, 
Where  is  the  sovereign  who  with  him  may  vie? 
Who  gave  the  sceptre,  and  his  «teps  ti'ersees  ? 
Who  dares  pronounce,  "unjust  are  thy  decrees  ?*' 
Sapience  and  pow*r  to  God  alone  belong  ; 
Wise  are  his  counsels,  and  his  arm  is  strong: 
He  overturns  ;  what  hand  erects  again  ? 
He  binds  i  who  bursts  his  adamantine  chain  f 


88 

He  i^liecks  the  waters  ;  all  is  desert  roimd, 
He  sends  them  out ;  they  desolate  the  grouad. 
Refin-d  by  him  the  wat'ry  atoms  rise, 
RijD  into  elouds,  and  flow  along   the  skies  : 
And  thenee  distilling  in  benignant  rain, 
Swell  the  brown  harvest  of  the  shouting  swain. 
What  lofty  genius  can  the  scene  unfotd, 
When  his  dark  tent  of  vapours  is  unroll  d  f 
About  their  king  aerial  clangors  sound, 
Thick  burstings  flames  spread  terribly  around. 
Tempestuous  winds  th'  aff^rigbted  ocean  sweep. 
And  from  its  bed  upheave  the  roaring  deep. 
These  are  hi«  servants  %  these  for  wiser  end% 
To  feast  the  nations,  or  afflict,  he  sends  ; 
These  meteors  his  judicial   will  perform. 
Bless  in  the  shovv'r,  and  punish  in  the  storm. 
God  holds  a  flaming  dart  within  his  hands. 
Forbids  its  flight  where'er  a  suppliant  stands: 
But  hurls  the  forked  vengeance  at  the  proud, 
And  deep  mouth'd  thunder  speaks  his  wrath  aloud. 
Ev'n  while  1  paint  this  dreadful  scene,  I  start^ 
My  bosom  can  scarce  hold  its  panting  heart. 
Hark  !  tremble  ;  murmurs  in  the  distant  air, 
Whisper  of  God,  his  awful  way  prepare  : 
He  fires  the  heav'ns  earth  to  her  utmost  shores 
FeeU  the  broad  flashes,  now  his  thunder  roars ; 
His  voice  exalted  with  majestic    sound, 
Augment  its  terror  through  the  vaulted  ground  : 
We  hear,  we  shudder,  but  in  vain  inquire 
How  form'd  his  voice,  and  how  inflam'd  his  fire. 
Great  is  the  thund'ring  God,  and  great  his  deeds^ 
Nor  less  his  work  our  loftiest  thought  exceeds. 
When  he  commands  ;  ^'  descend  my  fleecy  snowp 
^*  On  the  sown  fields  thy  rich  manure  bestow  : 


89 

•\Heav'ii,  ope  thy  sluices;  ye  impetuous  rains, 
^^  Pour  down  my  strength  upon  the  autumnal  plains,'- 
Seal'd  in  each  rural  hand,  restrained  from  toil, 
That  man  may  own  the  sov'reign  of  the  soil  : 
Then  beasts  of  rapine  to  the  mountains  scud, 
Couch'd  in  their  dens,  and  fast  awhile  from  blood. 
Sharp  wind,  no  longer  in  its  cells  coutroll'd. 
Scatters  abroad  his  all-subduing  cold  : 
Keen  blows  the  breath  of  God,  the  floods  congeal 
To  solid  pavement  like  refulgent  steel  : 
The  burnish'd  ether  sheds  a  smarter  day, 
And  not  a  cloud  endures  Ihe  vivid  ray. 
The  Lord  of  nature  at  her  helm  presides, 
Her  seasons  turn,  her  circling  meteor  guides  ; 
AVhile  these  and  those  his  high   behests  obey. 
And  through  earth's  peopled  climes  assert  his  sway  ; 
Whether  as   scourges  of  a    rebel  race. 
Or    sent   as  tokens  of  paternal   grace. 


CHAP.  XII. 

SE€.  I. — Herein  Job  continues  to  display^  in  «  mag- 
nijicent  description,  God^s  almighty  power  and  uni- 
versal dominion^  <§'c.  sec.  ii.  amtains  similar  obser- 
vations from  Elihu^  addressed  to  Job,  of  God^s  dis^ 
playing  his  icondrous  works^ — thereby  infers  the 
ignorance  of  man^  and  conchides  that  the  doings 
of  the  Supreme  Being  are  rights  and  ought  to  be 
adored. 

God  reigns  above,  berreath  ;  yea,  far  below 
The  deep  abyss,  in  dark  abodes  of  woe  : 
Hades    and    regions   of    perdition    lie 
UnveilM  and  naked,  to  his  flaming  eye; 
There  the  old  giants  feel  his  vrrath,  and  there 
All  wicked  -hosts  are  trembling  with  despair. 
8 


90 

He  o'er  the  void  heaven's  lofty  arch  extends, 
His  arm  the  earth's  unwieldly  mass  suspends. 
Self  pois'd,  on  nothing.     High  in  liquid  air, 
His  floating  aqueducts  their  burthen  bear; 
So  firm  sustainM  with  such  strong  pressure  bound, 
Their  pendant  waters  burst  not  on  the  ground. 
When  empty  fountains,  and  the  with'ring  plains. 
Ask  the  full  bev'rage  of  nutritious  rains ; 
The  splendours  of  his  sapphire  throne  he  shrouds 
With  watVy  vapours,  and  a  veil  of  clouds. 
Old  ocean,  bounded  by  his  circling  line, 
Reveres  the  limits  which  his  laws  define  : 
And  shall  revere  them,  till  the  rolling  light 
Fulfil  its  periods    and   is   lost  in  night. 
Yet,  when  his  anger  bids  the  thunder  roar. 
And  his  fierce  light'nings  flash  from  shore  to  shore, 
Heav'n's  eolumn'd  frame  with  vast  amazement  quakes. 
Wild  horror  the  tumultuous    ocean  shakes : 
Through  his  great  power,  with  huge  commotion  rise, 
The  mountain  billows,  foaming  to  the  skies. 
His  dryiag  gale  refines  heaven's  troubled  scene, 
Renew'd  in  beauty  smiles  the  blue  serene  ;  ^ 

The  billows   meekly  at  his  voice  subside. 
And  wrecks  of  monsters  float  along  the  tide. 
These  are  his  ways ;  in  these  exterior  lines 
AVhat  wonders  open  1  and  what  glory  shines ! 
Far  beyond  these,  what  endless  wonders  grow  ! 
For  who  the  thunder  of  his  might  can  know  } 

SEC.  II. 

O  Job,  these  wonders  weigh  ;  erect  thy  mind ; 
More  M'onders  rise  in  boundless  view  beliind : 
Knows  thy  weak  reason  how^  he  stains  his  bow, 
When  among  clouds  its  seven-fold  colours  glow  r 


91 

Or  knows  what  balancings  those  clouds  confine  ? 
Amazing  workmanship    of  art   divine  !. 
How  scorching  day  inflames  the  breathless  air, 
When  scarce  thy  limbs  their  glowing  raiment  bear 
Art  thou  assisting,  while  he  spreads  the  mass 
Of  ether,  splendent  as  the  polish'd  brass. 
Bright  as  the  mirror,  as  the  metal  strong  ? 
O  man  of  courage,  aid  our  falt'ring  tongue ; 
Coufus'd,  we  cannot  reason  in  his  ear, 
Dark  clouds  descend,  the  coming  God  we  fear. 
Should  some  bold  mouih  presume  to  speak  for  mine. 
Perdition    will    confound   the  rash  design. 
When  heav'n'sexpanse  the  sweeping  north  wind  clears, 
And,  flaming  forth,  the  golden  sun  appears, 
W^hose  optic  on  the  dazzling  scene  can  gaze  ? 
Haw,   then,  abide  a  God's  terriflic  blaze  ? 
Whose  pow'r  lays  desolate  thi§  earthly  ball, 
Its  roots  are  sunder'd  and  its  mountains  fall. 
Its  headlong  torrents  through  the  vallies  sound, 
Burst  the  stone  bridges,  scoop  the  solid  ground, 
Ravage  the  fields,  and  with  impetuous  sway 
Hurry  the    rural    hope   of  toiling  man   away. 
The  yellow  harvests  of  the  ripen'd  year. 
And  flatted  vineyards,  one  sad  waste  appear  : 
The  roaring  billows  threaten  earth  and  sky. 
Their  wheels  along  the  wat'ry  mountains  fly. 
He  form'd  Arcturus  and  his  sons  to  roll 
In  bright  successions  round  the  northern  pole  : 
The   vernal  Pleiades,  his  will  perform, 
And  stern  Orion  wakes  his  wint'ry  storm  : 
While  far  below,  the  southern  heav'n  proclaims 
His  glory  sparkling  in  ten  thousand  flames  : 
Aw'd  by  his  thund'ring  voice,  the  prince  of  day 
Shuts  his  broad  eye,  and  veils  his  golden  ray  : 


92 

And  night's  pale  queen,  with  her  attendant  fires, 

Beneath   his  signet  in   eclipse  retires. 

Earth's  utmost  bounds  are  spread  before  his  view^ 

He  with  a  glance  looks  all  creation  through ; 

The  wild  winds  balanced,  weigh*d  the  swelling  seas. 

And  gave  the  vapeur  and  the  cloud  decrees  ; 

When  rains  should  fall,  when  ruddy  lightning  fly^ 

And   the  big  thunder  roar  along  the  sky  : 

He  saw  the  whole,  he  nnmber'd  ev'ry  part, 

The    finished   system    of  Almighty    art^ 

He  falls  an  oak,  beneath  whose  lofty  shade 

Our  ancestors  its  mighty  limbs  displayed : 

Struck  by  Jove's  bolt  it  smokes,  the  sulph'rous  flame 

Rages  with  crackling  havock  o'er  its  frame: 

^ubdu'd  by  heav'n  it  sinks,  and  spreads  the  ground 

With  its  sear'd  trunk  and  arms  a  spacious  round. 

Wonders  by  him,  and  mighty  deeds  are  wroughf^ 

E.yond  all  numbers,  and  above  all  thought. 


CHAP.  XIII. 

Wherein  Job  sets  forth  his  former  felicity  in  the 
sinj2;tilar  favour  of  God  to  his  person^  fcimihj 
and  fortunes^  and  in  the  veneration  paid  to  him  by 
his  tribe,  for  the  wisdom  of  his  counsels,  and  the 
justice  of  his  administrations.  To  which  he  adds 
the  plextsing  hope  he  had  entertained  of  the  perma^ 
nence  of  all  that  happiness^  in  rewards  of  his  vir* 
tue,  namely,  constant  cheerfulness^  prosperity  of 
condition,  and  lustre  of  character,  which  seem  to  be 
all  comprehended  in  these  beautiful  metaphors. 

O  HAPPY  months,  and  ''^appy  days  long  fled! 
When  Ood,  the  guardian  of  my  honour'd  hea*h, 


93 

Shin^d  on  his  favourite  with  distinguished  rays, 
Dispelled  all  darkness,  and  illumM  my  ways; 
In  autumn  of  my  glory,  when  the  pow'r 
Trusted  his  counsels  to  my  hallow'd  bow'r  : 
While  yet  around  me,  I  my  children  view'd  5 
While  yet  each  morn  his  visits  he  renew'd. 
While  plenty  streamed  in    rivers    through  my  soil, 
With  milk  my  vallies,  and  my  rocks  with  oiL 
O  high  enjoyment  !  on  the  solemn  day, 
AVhen,  with  a  princely  train,  I  took  m^  way 
To  the  full  forum  through  the  hailing  street, 
And  in  the  senate  fill'd  a  sovereign  seat. 
The   youths,  abash'd,  retir'd  ;  and  bent  with  age, 
In  dumb  respect  up  rose  the  hoary  sage : 
In  ranks  of  pow'r  ;  all  waiting  to  receive 
The  sentence  wisdom  in  my  voice  should  give; 
Rapture  in  every  ear  the  sentence  rais'd, 
And  every  eye  with  look  applauding  gaz*d  : 
The  fatherless,  and  friendless,  and  distrest 
Caird  me  their  saviour,  while  my  name  they  bless'd  : 
Their  blessings  crown'd  me;  for  I  heal'd  their  wrongs, 
And  turn'd  the  widow's  heart  to  grateful  songs. 
My  robe  was  justice,  justice  my  tiar  5 
Thus  was   my  majesty   renown'd  afar: 
The   feeble  found  in  me  a  powerful  stay, 
The  poor  a  father,  and  the  blind  man   day  : 
The  stranger's  friend,  1  weigh'd  his  slighted  cause ; 
Broke  rapine's  teeth,  and  snateh'd  him  from  its  jaws. 
Thence  I  too  fondly  argu'd ;  here  was  rest. 
My  dying  head,  in  this  my  lofty  nest : 
But  countless  as  the  sands  my  days  shall  run, 
Without   a   cloud  to  their  last  setting  sun. 
8* 


94 

The  noble  palm,  whose  laden  boughs  on  higb. 
Suck  the   sweet  moisture  of  the  midnight  sky, 
Whose    op'ning   roots  imbibe   the   crystal  rill, 
Fearless  of  droughts,  shall  be  my  emblem  still  ; 
Still   fresh  in  lustre  shall  my  glory  grow, 
And  new   in   vigour  be  my  conq'ring  bow. 
My  eloquence  shall   flow,  by  all   desir'd, 
Be  lieard   with  sacred   silence   and   admir'd  : 
Be  hear'd    without  reply,  and  joy    infuse 
Like  heav'n  descending  in  nutritious  dews : 
Crowds  shall  be  eager  to  devour  the  strain. 
As  the   chapt   soil  to  drink   autumnal  rain. 
My  smile  shall  transport  raise,  but  check  with  awe 
Lest  the  bright  sunshine  should  in  clouds  withdraw. 
Their  guide  in  counsel,  and  in  war  their  chiefs 
In  wants  their  father,  and  their  hope  in  grief. 
ril  rule  my  tribe ;  and  issue  my  commandg:^ 
Great  as  a  king  amidst  his  martial  bands. 


CHAP.  XIV. 

SEC.  I.  &  II. — Fart  of  this  chapter  is  a  contrast  of  the 
foregoing.  It  is  a  moving  representation  of  the  mis- 
erable disappointment  of  Job^s  hope f  the  insults  he  re- 
ceivedy  the  deplorable  condition  of  his  body^  and  the 
despairing  state  of  his  mind  ;  the  passions  expressed 
in  it  are  grief  and  indignation^  and  his  language  to 
his  Maker  crude  and  irreverent.  The  chapter  con- 
dudes  with  a  fervent  wish  that  his  words  may  be 
preserved  as  a  memento  to  posterity. 

Now  I'm  become  the  sport  of  bojs  :  too  base 
1  held  their  fathers  with  my  dogs  to  place^ 


99 

In  midnight  sentry  o'er  my  sleeping  fold, 

A   slothful  crew   in    profligacy    old. 

The  howling  desert  was  of  late  their  haunt, 

Where,  stung  with  hunger,  and  with  famine  gaunt, 

They  brows'd  the  bitter  weeds,  and  hard  beset, 

On  broom  and  berries  of  the  forest  fed  : 

Outlaws  and  thieves,  with  outcry  chas'd  from  men. 

To  flooded  vales,  and  the  dark  mountain  den : 

For  sheltering  thorns  in  groaning  crowds  they  presi^. 

And  huddled  in  vile  heaps  the  thicket  bless  : 

A  herd  of  varlets,  vagrants,  without  name, 

Flay'd  by  the  lash  the  spurious  brood  of  shame. 

Now  their  lew'd  doggrel  jests  my  name  profane. 

They  stare  aloof  as  though  my  breath  were  bane  - 

They  hoot,  they  spit,  for  God  hath  cast  me  down : 

Hence  their  contempt  of  my  once  dreaded  frown. 

The  spawQ  of  vice  starts  up,  her  shouting  throng 

Pelt  me  with  saucy  malice  of  the  tongue  ; 

Besiege  me,  and  with  foulest  scorn  invade^ 

My  walks  of  honour,  now  bereft  of  aid, 

Like  war  5  when  roaring  through  the  bursting  wali^ 

It  rolls  with  fury  o'er  the  city's  fall. 

O  the  distracting  terrors  of  that  hour  ! 

When  evil  like  a  whirlwind  broke  my  pow'r  ;. 

When  my  bliss  vanish'd — like  a  cloud  of  rain 

Big  with  false  promise  to  the  thirsty  plain. 

But  now  my  soul  in  sorrow  melts  away. 

Left  unsustain'd  in  ill's  distressing  day  : 

My  pain  ne'er  slumbers,  all  night  long  I  groan,^ 

It  racks  each  sinew,  and  corrodes  each  bone : 

My  mantle,  by  my  strong  disease  possest, 

Hath  chang'd  its  form,  and  girds  me  like  my  vest ; 

I'm  held  impure,  as  one  bemir'd  all  o'er; 

My  fricpds  me  scorn,  like  sweepings  of  the  floor. 


96 

My  breath  is  almost  spent — ray  vitals  date 
Expires — for  me  the  burial  chambers  wait. 
Sarcastic  tongues  my  dying  eoueh  surround^ 
Vex  my  last  hours  and  scoff  me  to  the  ground. 
Why  thus  reproach,  unfeeling  men,  how  long 
Mean  you  to  cut  and  crush  me  with  your  tongue  ? 
Insults  enough  I've  borne  :  still  lost  to  shame, 
Stubborn  defiance  to  your  looks  proclaim  ? 
Be    it    some    error,  incident    to    all 
Is  mine  ;  my  error  on  myself  must  fall. 
"Why  still  accuse  me  ?  and  with  cruel  strife, 
Urge  my  affliction  to  condemn  my  life  ? 
Learn  then ;  that  you,  the  fatal  cause  unknown^ 
Have  me  pursu'd,  and  in  your  toils  o'erthrown. 
I  cry  aloud  of  wrong,  no  answer  gain ; 
For  justice  call,  no  justice  can  obtain  : 

0  bitter  change !  how^  happy  I  and  great  I 
Till  you  in  ruins  laid  my  glorious  state. 

SEC.  II. 

Bright  were  the  visions,  once  my  fancy  fram'd^ 
Of  heav'ns  unclouded,  and  of  hopes  unshamM  : 
But  foul  adversity,  with  sudden  might 
Blotted  those  lovely  visions  from  my  sights 
Since  when,  my  tortures  no  remission  find, 
Fire  in  my  veins,  and  tumult  in  my  mind  : 

1  mourn,  with  swelter'd  countenance  I  mourn. 
In  hotter  flames,  than   hottest  suns  I  burn  ^ 
And  among  crowds,  unable  to  contain. 
Shriek  in  the  anguish  of  outrageous  pain. 

In  lonesome  wastes,  where  mournful  creatures  yell. 
Where  wails  the  screaming  ostrich,  let  me  dwell  5 
A  skeleton  of  bones  bak'd  dry  within, 
SQarce  shaded  with  a  swart  and  shrivdl'd  skin  - 


My  pipe  is  broken,  and  my  harp  ij^  dumb. 
Grief  with  her  weeping  train  to  me  is  come. 
And  sighs,  and  plaintive  sounds,  and  funeral  dole, 
Are  now  the  music  of  my  sadden'd  soul. 
I  leave  my  hope  behind,  like  some  fair  tree  J 

Uptorn  by  tempests,  when  its  boughs  you  see       > 
Rich  laden  with  a  blooming   progeny.  } 

My  brethren  and  acquaintance  tted  afar, 
With  horror  fled,  from  this  afflictive  war: 
My  kindred  shun'd  me,  of  my  boasted  friends 
Who  now  my  unremember'd  grief  attends  ? 
The  strangers  whom  I  shelter'd  in  my  shade, 
The  maidens  who  my  awful  nod  obey'd, 
Pass  me  as  though  unknown,  or  gaze  me  o*er, 
As  some  strange  thing  from  some  strange  distant  shor^. 
My  meanest  slave  with  stupid  insult  stares, 
Deaf  to  my  calls,  regardless  of  my  prayers. 
Ev'n  She,  whom  wedlock's  charities  should  move, 
Nauseates  my  breath  ;  the  tend'rest  notes  of  love 
Unheeding,  though  conjur'd  in  mournful  straia 
By  the  dear  mem'ry  of  our  children  slain. 
Yea,  slav'ry's  spawn   beneath  my  table  fed, 
Push  me  aside,  and  flout  me  to  my  head. 
All  who  the  secrets  of  my  soul  possess'd, 
All  whom  affection  cherish'd  in  my  breast 
Are  turn'd  against  me  ;  as  a  wretch  impure, 
Whom  God  abominates  and  men  abjure. 
Thus  left,  my  bone  just  starting  from  within 
Through  the  poor  remnant  of  my  tatter'd  skin  5 
Pity  me,  pity,  let  my  urgent   need,  i 

Let  ancient  fiiendship  for  compassion  plead,  > 
For  smitten  by  tli'  immortal  arm  I  bleed.      ) 
Will  you  (ah  why  ?)  your  persecution  join 
To  those  I  suffer  by  a  hand  divine  j 


98 

Insatiate  still,  still  eager  to  defame 
And  glut  your  rancour  with  my  worried  name  ? 
O  that,  fair  written  in  a  faithful  scroll, 
Time  in  his  archives  would  my  words  enroll; 
O  furrow  them  in  lead  ;  their  letters  give 
Through  endless  ages  in  the  rock  to  live. 
This  ponder  well;  hear  me,  my  friends,  again, 
Or  answer  make,  if  answer  fit  remain, 
To  just  defence  I  pledge  a  candid  ear. 
Full  loath  to  censure  ;  but  o'erjoy'd  to  clear. 
Else  give  me  audience ;  and  the  friendship  prize, 
Will  shew  thee  w  here  the  path  of  wisdom  lie^. 


CHAP.  XV. 

B£ING    A   REPLY    FROM    JOB    TO  HIS  CENSORIOUS 
rRIKNDS. 

SEC.  I. — Prosecutes  his  arguments  by  taking  a  retro- 
spect of  his  past  life  ;  explains  with  firmness  and 
perspicuity  his  motives  to  action^  and  ivith  humble 
reverence  and  submission,  refers  his  plea  to  the  wise 
Disposer  of  all  events^  ^c.  qfc. 

Then,  Job,  give  audience ;  audience  I  implore, 
Be  that  your  charity;  I   ask  no    morei 
Indulge  me    utterance — then  insult  again, 
Shall  I  of  man,  censorious  man,  complain  ? 
The  cruel  slanders  which  my  fame  defile, 
Would  justify  resentment's  sharpest  style. 
He  press'd,  and  still  pursued  his  conq'ring  strains  5 
By  him,  Eternal  Potentate,  who  reigns 


99 

Above  ;  who  jaJgment  in  my  cause  delays. 

And  wlio  my  soul  inibitlers  M'ith  his  ways. 

I  swear,  that  while  this  bosom  shall  inhale 

The  nurture  of  his  animating  gale  ; 

Falsehood  and  guile  shall  ne'er  employ  my  tongue 

To  flatter  you,  and  my  own  conscience  wrong : 

To  justify   your  part,  my  own  betray, 

Forbid  it,  Heav'n  !  firm  to  the  mortal  day, 

I'll  hold   ray  virtue,  nor  abate  my  zeal 

In   strong  apology  and    bold    appeal : 

My  heart,  which  never  yet  a  censure  knew,' 

From  its  own  voice,  disdaiijs  reproach  from  you. 

Wicked,  Profane — those  hateful  names  bestow 

Worse  execration,  on   my  deadly  foe : 

I  penetrate  your  thoughts ;  resolv'd  in  wrong. 

Harsh  answer  still  springs  forward  on  your  tongue ; 

Cease,  then ;  nor  falsities  for  comforts  vend, 

Alike  to  truth  unfaithful  and  your  friend 

Of  whom  hast  thou  harangu'd,  whose  breath  hath  cast 

Such  wond'rous  wisdom  from  your  mouths  at  last  ? 

Was    I   unfeeling  of  another's   woe  ? 

Did  not  my  sorrows  with  the  mourner's  flow  ? 

Did  e'er  I  walk  with  falsehood  ?  did  my  feet 

E'er  steal  to  winding  paths  of  base  deceit? 

Let  God,  who  knows  me  upright  from  my  youth, 

Weigh  me  in  his  impartial  scale  of  truth. 

If,  fir'd  by  wedded  charms,  the  fav'ring  hour 

I  watch'd  in  ambush,  at  my  neighbour's  bo w'r; 

May  the  poor  captive's  lot  my  wife  disgrace. 

Mean  tasks  by  day,  by  night  a  forc'd  embrace : 

For  -(is  a  crime,  ye  judges,  which  should  share 

The  sharpest  vengeance  of  the  sword  you  bear: 

For  'tis  a  flame,  whose  furious  wrath  would  shoot 

Through  all  my  substance  and  devour  the  root. 


100 

if,  when  I  saw  some  glitfring  prize  display'd. 

My  eyes  desir'd  it,  and  my  heart  obey'd ; 

And,  (uining  from  the  path  where  justice  stands. 

The  tempting  tribe  defii*d  my  venal  hand  5 

Perish  my  crops  I  or  let  my  harvest  feed 

The  wasteful    riots   of  an  alien  breed. 

If  I  despis'd  my  slave,  controlling  right 

By  will   imperious  and   a  master's  might ; 

How  shall  I  face  the  righteous  Judge  uf  all, 

Or  how   defend  me  at  his  dreaded  call  ? 

Was  no%  our  Maker  one ;  and  one  our  frame  ? 

Was  not  the  womb  his  mould ;  and  mine  the  same  ? 

If  at  an  orphan's  head  I  shook  my  hand, 

Secure  the  hall  of  judgment  to  command 5 

That  arm  be  shattered,  let  my  shoulder  ball 

Disjointed   from  its   guilty  mortise    fall: 

I  fear'd  destruction  ;  could  my  pow'r  contend 

With  pow'r  almighty,  the  wrong'd  orphan's  friend  ? 

Its   rightful   owner   if  my  land  bemoan, 

Held  in  hard  bondage  if  its  furrows  groan : 

If  the  defrauded  peasant  cursM  my  field,' 

Or   blood  of   innocence  my  title  seal'd, 

May  brambles  for  a  harvest  choke  the  soil. 

And  weeds  unwholesome,  mock  the  ploughman's  toil  t 

If,  when  misfortune  smote  my  deadly  foe, 

I  smil'd  in  secret,  and  enjoy'd  his  woe  4 

I,  who  forbade  my  tongue  the  spiteful  word, 

And  e'en  in  thought,  revengeful  wish  abhorr'd — 

Did  I  repulse  the   lowly,  bending  poor  ? 

Or  went  the  widow  weeping  from  my  door  ? 

Have  I  e'fer  feasted  with  a  churlish  pride 

Alone,  without  an  orphan  at  my  side  ? 

Humane  affection  from  the  womb  I  drew, 

And  with  my  growth  the  tender  passion  grew : 


101 

Wlien'er  a  naked  wrefcli  before  me  pass'd, 

His  starv'd  limbs  shivering  in  the  wintry  blaet ; 

Has  the  warm  life,  new  bounding  in  his  veins, 

Not  bless'd  the  woolly  riches  of  my  plains  ? 

If  my  house  attest  not ;  "  When  he  dinM, 

'^  Who  unreplenish'd  from  his  table  pin-d  ?*' 

^^y  gate  flew  open  at  the  pilgrim's  voice, 

Beneath  my  roof  1  bade  his  heart  rejoice. 

If  I  e'er  whisper'd  to  the  precious  dust, 

Be  thou  my  idol,  thou  my  sovereign  trust, 

Or  gloried  in  the  pow'r  vast  wealth  bestows, 

My  pulse  high  beating  as  my  treasure  rose— 

If  on    the   rising  sun,   or  silver   moon 

Majestic   walking   to    her  starry   noon, 

I   look'd ;   and   in  the  folly  of  my  soul, 

My  palm  the  kiss  of  silent  homage  stole  ; 

This,  O  my  Judge,  w  ere  treason ;  this  denies 

Thy  sole  dominion  in  the  earth  and  skies. 

If  my  defence,  like   Adam's,  is  but  art, 

WHiik,  unconfest, guilt  rankles  in  my  heart; 

With  vengeance  let  th'  assembled  clans  pursue 

My  name  5  and  exilM  from  the  public  view, 

In    lonely  silence   may  I  veil   my  head, 

O'erwhelm'd  with  terror  and  with  shame  o'erspread  J 

\Vho   now  an  umpire   in  my  cause  will  find, 

Behold  my  plea,  with  my  own  signet  sign'd  5 

Let  God   vouchsafe  his  answer ;  or  indite, 

And  the  just  roll   of   my  oifences  write: 

Th'  accusing  bill;  upon  my  shoulders  borne, 

Or   as   a  crown  about   my    temples    worn, 

I'll  show  5  and  princely  in  the  noble  strife. 

To   the  great  Plaintiff  I'll  display  my  life. 

9 


i02 


CHAP.  XVI. 

The  last  chapter,  Job  was  in  high  spirits  triumphing 
in  the  goodness  of  his  cause^  Sfc.  The  present 
chapter  contains  ElihiCs  address  to  his  seniors^  dis- 
approving Job's  justification  of  himself  <§*c. — 
blames  them  for  theh^aiture  in  the  dispute,  and  ob- 
serves the  irresistible  impulse  he  labored  under  to 
give  his  thoughts  vent,  Sfc. 

Job  ended  his  defence — They  ceas'd  reply- 
He  stood  absolv'd  in  his  own  partial  eye. 
A  youth   attentive    sat,   Elihu   nam'd, 
Against  them  all  with  holy  zeal  inflam'd : 
'Gainst  him,  who  full  of  self-exalting  praise, 
Above  his  Maker's  justified  his  ways ; 
Them,  who,  inglorious,  left  this  high  dispute; 
Fierce    to  accuse,  but  feeble   to  confute. 
Silent  he  was,  while  Job  his  cause  displayed  5 
This   honour  to  respected   age  he  paid ; 
At  length,  none  answ'ring  such  a  vain  defence, 
Ardent  he  rose,  and  gave  his  modest  sense. 
Fathers,  my  youth  thus  long,  through  bashful  fear^ 
Refrain'd  to   reason  in    your  aged   ear: 
Rt^ply,  I  thought,  beseem'd  the  head  of  snow, 
And  wisdom's  voice  from  ancient  lips  should  flow* 
But  wisdom   is   a   gift,  the   breath   divine 
Moves  on  the  soul,  and  calls  the  light  to  shine : 
The  fam'd  for  wisdom  are  not  always  wise. 
Nor  in  grey  locks  the  power  of  judgment  lies. 
Hear,  then,  my  sense  ;  I  waited,  while  you  sought  ; 
For  answers,  and  exhausted  all  your  thought: 
Yea,  still  I    wait,  attentive — but  I  find 
Nor  Job  confuted,  nor  reply   designed  : 
Say  not ;  ••  'Tis  wisdom,  tliat  we  leave  to  God 
'''  To  humble  this  stiflf  sinner  with  his  rod — ** 


103 

His  words  unaini'd  at  me,  shall  meet  reply, 
Unlike  to  yours;  a  differing  path  1*11  try. 
His  words  chastises  some  offence  of  thine; 
Scorn  oV  submission  be  thy  choice,  not  mine  : 
Reveal  your  thoughts.     Ye  men  of  prudence,  speak  : 
Are  not   Job's  answers  libertine  and  weak? 
Again  (I  counsel)  let  as    try  their  sense  ; 
Try  to  the  utmost;  for   his  first  oiTence 
Is    grown   rebellion ;  petulent  to   God, 
This  babbler  triumphs,  and  insults  his  rod  ; 
Amaz'd,  confus'd,  they  sH ;   bereav'd  of  tongue-— 
Patient  of  this   delay,  I've  waited  long — 
'Dumb  they  remain — not  one  essays  to  speak — 
My  meaner  voice  must,  must  the  silence  break; 
My  soul,  so  deeply  and   so   long  attest, 
Is  crowded  full,  and  labours  for  a  vent  5 
My  thoughts  ferment  like  wine  ;  restraint  is  vain— - 
Pierce,  pierce  the  vessel,  or  'twill  burst  in  twain  • 
My  lips  shall  ease  me,  shall  effuse  abroad 
This  honest  heart  by  no  man's  person  aw'd  ^ 
Unskiird  in   courtly  titles,  plain   and  free 
My  phrase,  expect  no  soothing  arts  from  me; 
Lest  he,  who  gives  my  heaving  lungs  to  breathe, 
That  instant  hurl  me  to  the  shades  beneath. 


CHAP.  XVIL 

Contains  further  remarks  of  Elihu  to  Job,  tendering 
his  advice, — and  shews  the  folly  and  wickedness  of 
tyranny  and  oppression^  ^c. 

Therefore  attend,  while  I  my  thoughts  reveal, 
Just  to  the  ways  of  God  Y\\  none  conceal : 
Persist  to  credit  what  your  eyes  attest, 
Why  trifle  you  in  proving  things  confest  ? 


104 

O  Job.  tlie  granileur  of  his  works  admire, 
Hjniii'vl  in  loud  anthems  by  the  righteous  choir: 
Aloft    presented    to    all    mortal   eyes, 
Above  all  mortal  thought  his  wonders  rise. 
Curb  then  thy  will,  his  wrath  already  burns 5 
Beware  its  fury,  which  no   ransom  turns: 
Ang<3r,  despising  all  the  wealth  of  kings, 
And  all  the  force  that  wide  dominion  brings. 
AVish  not  that  dismal  night,  whieh  sweeps  away 
The  race  of  mortals  from  the  walks  of  day. 
There  are,  1  yield,  some  dire  examples  giv^), 
Some  thoughtless  mortals  of  the  frown  of  heav'ii^ 
Some  Joffy  tyrants,  from  whose  fatal  bed 
A  race  increasing  for  the  sword  is  bred  : 
Vagrant  and  starv  ing  see  the  downward  line  ; 
See  tije  last  thin  remains  their  breath  resign, 
Without  a  solemn   dirge,  without  a  bier, 
Without  a  grave,  without  a  widow's  tear. 
Where  lies  the  silver  heaps,  and  purple  dies. 
The    proud    progenitor's   extorted    prize: 
Amass'd  as  dust.^  A  worthier  lineage  wears 
The  robes  of  purple,  and  the  silver  heirs. 
Wretch  !  as  a  moth,  that  ravages  the  looms, 
Weaves  her  frail  bowV,  and  as  she  weaves  consumes  % 
Or  as  the  hireling  warder  of  the  vines, 
His  green  booth,  lodging  of  a  summer  twines  5 
With  like  vain  toil,  for  a  like  fleeting  date. 
He  builds  his  grandeur,  and  enjoys  his  state  : 
Or  else  God's  pow'r  commissions  fierce  disease. 
Th'  oppressor  in  his  lusty  bloom  to  seize. 
Gast  on  his  bed,  he  groans  in  grinding  pain^ 
While  raging  fever  boils  in  every  vein : 
His  flesh  consumes  away,  the  bones  within. 
Transparent  starting  through  his  shrivePd  skin  t 
His  soul  now  trembles  on  the  verge  of  fate, 
And  death'*  dread  angels  for  the  signal  wait. 


105 

If  then  some  delej^afe  of  heav'n,  renown'J 
For  sucred  skill,  (rare  gift  on  human  ground,). 
The  siok  his  duty,  shews  the  fav'ring  Power, 
Salvation  wills: — "  Seek  health  to  yonder  bowV^ 
^'  Contrition  h:ith  appeasM  my  wrath  5  go,  save 
''  The  penitent,  and  disappoint  the  grave/' 


CHAP.  XVlil. 

Contains  further  observations  from  Elihu  to  Job,  in 
vindication  of  the  ivays  of  God  to  man,  solicits 
his  candid  attention  by  several  engaging  motives^ 
Sfc,  Sfc. 

Indulge    me   still;  Elihu  spake  again^ 
And    thus  address'd  the  melancholy  man. 
H^?ar  me  once  more ;  thus  far  I  will  re«iove 
Injustice  from  the  seepter'd  powder  abBve ; 
Whose  iretributions  with  exactest  plan. 
Answer   to  virtue   and  to   vice  in  man, 
I'll  justify    my  Maker   without    art, 
Truth  I  explore  and  faithful  I  impart, 
God  injures  none  ;  his  independent  might 
Disdains  to  bend  th'  eternal   rule  of  right. 
Or  is    he   viceroy  of  this    puny   ball  ? 
Who,  then,  the  founder  of  the  world's  vast  all  r 
Were  God  a  tyrant,  would  he  not  resume 
His    quickening   spirit  ?  terrible   the  doom ! 
Which  in  a  moment  would  unpeople  earth, 
And  into  dust  resolve  all  fleshly  birth. 
But  he,  who  reigns  the  highest  of  the  high, 
Sees  prince  and  peasant  with  impartial  eye. 
Maker  of  both !  His  equal  judgments  sweep 
An  impious  city,  in  the  midnight  sleep  5 


106 

All   hnman  ways  are  open  to  bis  view, 
Each  winding  path  his  critic  eyes  pursue ; 
Nor  dark  disguise,  nor  e'en  the  central  shade^ 
Can  hide  the  guilty,  or  his  reach  evade: 
Nor  will  he  punish,  save  the  foul  misdeed, 
Nor  will  his  arm  in   punishing  exceed. 
He,  without  process,  hurls  a  tyrant  down, 
And  to  a  foreign  line  translates  his  crown. 
For  blind  and  impious  those  misruIM  :  the  groan 
Of  sifff'ring  innocence  assaiPd  his  throne  ; 
He  heard  it,  ever   to  affliction's  cry 
His  ear  is  open  and  his  vengeance  nigh. 
When  on  a   man  or  people  he  bestows 
His  peace,  what  powT  can  trouble  their  repose  ? 
And  when  he  dooms  to  ruin  and  the  grave 
A  people  or  a  man,  what  power  can  save  ? 
An  equal  Judge,  no  saviour  of  th'  unjust, 
Upraises    weeping  virtue  from  its  dust. 
'Tis   fitting,  surely,  unto   God    to  say : 
^*  O  spare  the  humble,  for,  behold,  I  pray  : 
"  My  blindness  heal,  my  latent  sin  explore, 
^'  In  aught  offending,  I'll  oflfend  no  more  :*' 
Learn,  Job,  that  misery  ever  follows  sin, 
From   liuman   errors   human  ills  begin. 
Th'  Almighty  mind,  is  all  perfection  great ; 
Above   low   envy  and  capricious  hate, 
"When  erring  mortals  in  his  bounds  he  holds, 
Their  ear  he  touches,  and  their  sins  unfolds; 
Hon. hies  their  pride,  their  self-deception  breaks* 
And  slumb'ring  conscience  to  its  charge  awakesi 
If  to  his  high  command  their  ear  they  bow, 
And  faithful   keep  the   penitential  vow, 
Sweet  days  ensue,  bright  is  their  evening  scene, 
And  death  comes  late,  and  with  a  look  serene. 
Cease,  then,  thy  murmurs,  stifle  all  thy  sighs: 
^Assur'd   thy  evils  from   thy  guilt  arisen 


107 

CHAP.  XIX 

Jobf  upon  conviction^  humbles  himself  for  many  rash 
eocpressionsj  which  he  had  uttered^  while  under  the 
afflicting  hand  of  providence^  and  makes  penitentuil 
ax;knowledgments. 

Job  spake  again,  and  thus  submissive  cried, 

0  God,  'tis  thine  to  hdmble    human  pride  ; 
Thine  is  the  power  Almighty,  thine  the  throne 
Whose  counsels  are   controllable  by  none* 

"  Who's  he,  that  with  impenetrable  skill 

^'  Plans  the  high  purpose  of  thy  sovereign  will  r" 

Bhall  man  instruct  in  his  presuming  school, 

The  Lord  of  heav'n,  this  petty  orb  to  rule  ? 

Convinc'd,  I  censur'd  what  the  wise  adoi:'d, 

Wonders  which  far  above  my  reason  soar'd. 

Indulge  my  pray  V,  a  gracious  ear  incline, 

"  My  part  the  learner's,  to  instruct  me  thine  :" 

Before  I  knew  thee  by  the  ear  alone  ; 

By  vision  now,  and  in  thy  glory  known. 

Lo,  self-detesting   in    the  dust   I   lie. 

And  mourning  breathe  the  penitential  sigh. 

On   me,  a  sinner,  thy   rebuke   was   laid, 

Light  was  the  chastening  with  the  trespass  weigh'd ; 

Snatch'd  from  the  gaping  pit  unworthy  I, 

Live,  and  again  salute  tiie   cheering  sky. 

My  flesh,  replenished  with  young  juices,  grows, 

And  with  a  second  prime  my  aspect  glows. 

Now  in  the   assembly  of  the  just  I   stand, 

Before  thine   altar,  with  uplifted  hand, 

May    gratitude   inspire   my  heart   to    praise, 

'^  To  sing  thy  mercy,  and  adore  thy  ways  : 

In  all   thy  works  the   great    paternal  mind 

Oft  manifests    thy   care   of  human    kind  ; 

And  calls  thy  oifjipring  when  their  footsteps  stray.^ 

From  shades  of  death,  to  live  beneath  thy  ray. 

Come,  resignation  !   hence  my  lips  I  close, 

And   humble  silence   on   my  tongue  impose  : 

Too   oft   I  spoke,  too  rashly   spoke   before 

1  will  not  answer,  or  offend  thee  more.*' 


108 


CHAP.  XX. 

Jiis  friends  reproved  for  their  uncharitable  censures 
in  managing  the  controversy  with  him^  concerning 
the  course  of  Divine  Trovidence  ;  they  are  directed 
ivhat  sacrifices  to  make,  as  an  atonement  for  their 
offence :  His  restoration  to  a  state  of  superior  pros- 
perity to  what  he  enjoyed  before  his  calamitous 
misfortunes^  ^c. 

The  cloud  now  disappearM.     But  when  the  sun 
Hud    a   few   more  diurnal    stages   run, 
God  call'd  to  Eliphaz  :   Displeas'd  I  heard 
What  thou  and  thy  associates  have  averr'd, 
Erroneous,  of  my  ways;    not  thus  offend 
The  reas'nini^s  of  your  rashly-censur'd  friend. 
My  servant  Job.     Go,  let  sev'n  heifers  bleed, 
Sev'n  rams  in   social  sacrifice  succeed : 
My  servant  Job,  while  yet  your  victims  burn, 
Shall  witli  atoning  pray'r  my  vengeance  turn  : 
Him  1  accept  ;  your  folly,  else,  shall  rue 
Those  falsehoods  which  my  servant  Job  o'erthrew. 
They  all  obeyed,  and  sought  the  Pow'r  divine; 
The  Pow'r,  appeas'd,  displayed  the  fav'ring  sign. 
Then   God  begain  the  mourner  to   restore, 
And  gave,  and  doubled  what  he  gave  before* 
His  brethren,  sisters,  friends,  a  cheerful  band, 
With  golden  gifts  in  each   saluting  hand, 
Crowded  his  house,  on  the  rich  feast  regal'd, 
CondoFd  his  sorrows,  his  deliverance  haiPd. 
Job  now  beyond  his  former  blessings  blest, 
Numbered  twice  o'er  the  wealth  he  first  possessM : 
Sev'n    sons  his   patriarchal  sway  rever'd, 
His  household  cares  three  lovely  daughters  cheered, 
DistinguishVl  each,  by  some  expressive  name, 
All  grae'd  with  beauty  of  unrivall'd  fame: 
And  each  beyond  a  daughter's  dowry  shar'd, 
For  each  the  portion  of  a  brother  heir'd. 
Twice  seventy  years,  from  this  bright  era,  shed 
Health  and  pure  joys  upon  his  favour'd  head  : 
His  children's  children  flourish'd  at  his  side, 
Then^  full  of  days,  in  hoary  peace  he  died. 


.%-. 


^ 


